Former BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla has launched a fresh attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over a reported fish feast in Ayodhya during the Hindu holy month of Sawan.
Poonawalla’s remarks came after a purported video surfaced showing fish being prepared at a Nishad community event in Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai was reportedly present at the event and participated in the gathering.
Taking to Instagram, Poonawalla criticised the Congress over what he described as the public display and serving of fish in Ayodhya during Sawan, a period when many Hindus observe religious restrictions and prefer sattvik food.
Poonawalla questions Congress’ ‘food is personal choice’ stance
Poonawalla said he had no objection to what individuals choose to eat privately, stressing that food is a personal choice. However, he questioned the Congress’ political messaging on food choices.
He referred to previous political debates over dietary preferences and alleged that the Congress had used the issue of eating fish as a political point in West Bengal.
Poonawalla also brought up Rahul Gandhi’s 2023 appearance with then-Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav while preparing mutton in Champaran.
‘Will you attend pork party?’
Taking his criticism further, Poonawalla challenged Rahul Gandhi to respond to a hypothetical situation involving another religion’s sacred period.
“If there is nothing wrong with this display, would you attend a public feast featuring pork during the sacred month of another religion?” he asked.
Poonawalla later took the question to X, writing: “Congress attends Fish party in Sawan month in Ayodhya… So Will it attend Pork Party/Fest by someone else during other Holy Month?”
He ended the post with the words, “Daro Mat.. Answer.”
The remarks have added another layer to the ongoing political exchange between the Congress and its critics over food, religious sentiments and alleged vote-bank politics.
Poonawalla also raises Instagram issue
Separately, Poonawalla shared a screenshot of an email from an individual who claimed that Instagram was automatically unfollowing his account.
The person also alleged that a similar issue was occurring with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Instagram profile.
Sharing the screenshot on X, Poonawalla wrote, “Instagram ❎❎ Rahul Gram ✅✅”, appearing to take a swipe at the social media platform.
Instagram has not issued a statement regarding the alleged issue.
Political row intensifies
The Ayodhya fish-feast controversy comes amid an increasingly sharp political exchange over religious practices, food choices and the Congress’ approach to Hindu sentiments.
While Poonawalla has accused the Congress of disrespecting Hindu faith, the reported event has become a fresh point of political contention. The Congress’ response to Poonawalla’s latest remarks will likely determine whether the controversy escalates further.
