Political Clash Over ‘Fish Feast’ in Ayodhya, Congress and BJP Face Off

Ayodhya | August 24, 2026

Political tensions have intensified in Uttar Pradesh over a fish feast organized during Congress state president Ajay Rai’s visit to Ayodhya. The event, held as part of his welcome, has drawn criticism from the BJP, which has questioned the Congress over organizing such a programme during the month of Sawan and linked the controversy to Sanatan faith and the religious sanctity of Ayodhya.

The Congress, meanwhile, has hit back at the BJP’s allegations, describing the issue as a matter of freedom of food choice and local traditions. Congress leaders have argued that food should not be turned into a political issue.

Following videos of the fish feast and a war of words between BJP and Congress leaders, the controversy has also become a topic of discussion on social media. With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, the dispute has further intensified the political battle in the state.

The question now is whether this controversy, which began with a plate of fish, will emerge as a major political issue in the upcoming election campaign.

Shabu Zaidi