Lucknow, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on Monday challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to provide evidence that he consumed non-vegetarian food at an event in Ayodhya, saying he would otherwise expect the Chief Minister to resign.
“Let him provide evidence. If he can prove what he claims, I will resign from my politics; else he should resign,” Rai said, responding to the controversy over a fish feast allegedly held during his visit to Ayodhya.
The controversy began after a video surfaced showing fish being prepared at a banquet hall in Ayodhya, where Rai was reportedly present. The footage drew criticism from Hindu religious figures and BJP leaders, who objected to the preparation and consumption of non-vegetarian food in the temple city, particularly during the holy month of Sawan.
Rai defended his participation, saying Congress leaders had visited the venue after attending a programme and having darshan at a temple. He said the event was a felicitation programme organised by Ram Nihal Nishad and that fish was part of the traditional food and culture of the Nishad community.
“Certainly all of us went there, we went to the Lord’s court and had darshan there. Ram Nihal Nishad had organised a felicitation programme there. Now what are they making, what are they serving? And that dish is an integral part of the Nishad community. They prepare it themselves, and their job is to serve it to their people. We were invited, and I attended their programme,” Rai told IANS.
Rai also displayed his Janeu, the sacred thread traditionally worn by many Hindus, while questioning BJP leaders over their claims of religious identity. He alleged that some leaders merely use religious symbols and saffron clothing to mislead people.
“These people just wear orange clothes to cheat people,” he said.
Rai further challenged Yogi Adityanath over his religious credentials, saying that if the Chief Minister could not provide the evidence he was demanding, people would not accept him as the head of his religious institution.
“If they fail to provide proof, then people will not accept Yogi ji at his ‘math’ also; he will have to go back to his home in Uttarakhand,” Rai said.
Rai’s remarks came after Adityanath criticised him at a public rally earlier in the day over the controversy.
“You must have seen the conduct of the Congress state president yesterday. They went to Hanumangarhi for darshan and then went outside and enjoyed a fish feast. They keep chanting ‘Ram Ram’, there is a limit to shamelessness. Who asked them to go to the temple in the first place? Whatever they wanted to eat, they could have eaten it outside, outside Ayodhya. But this is their double standards. Even the chameleon would feel ashamed in front of them,” the Chief Minister said.
FOLLOW NOW
