'Anti-Sanatan Mindset': Sants Slam Congress Over Alleged Fish Feast During Sawan At Ajay Rai’s Ayodhya Welcome

Ayodhya: A controversy has erupted over an alleged fish feast organised during a welcome programme for Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai in Tarun during the holy month of Sawan. 

The event, which reportedly took place on Ekadashi, has drawn strong criticism from the sant community, which accused the Congress of hurting Sanatan sentiments and demanded a public apology.

A video purportedly showing the fish feast has surfaced on social media. Claims are also being made that more than two quintals of fish were arranged for the programme. The Congress has not confirmed these claims.

Sants said political activities were welcome in Ayodhya, but parties should not disregard the religious traditions and sentiments associated with the temple town. They demanded that the Congress leadership explain the circumstances surrounding the event and that Rai apologise to the Sanatan community.

Mahant Dr Bharat Das said the Congress appeared to lack an understanding of Ayodhya's religious traditions.

"Organising a non-vegetarian feast on a sacred occasion like Sawan and Ekadashi reflects an anti-Sanatan mindset. Before doing politics in Ayodhya, Congress leaders should understand the religious traditions and dignity of this city," he said.

He said the sant community would not accept any attempt to hurt Sanatan sentiments in the city associated with Lord Ram.

Ramesh Das, a priest at Hanumangarhi, said Congress leaders visit Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Ram and saints, but events that hurt religious sentiments should not take place during such visits.

"The Congress should clarify its position on faith in Ayodhya and explain how seriously it respects the dignity of Ramnagari," he said, demanding an immediate apology from Rai.

Jagadguru Paramhansacharya said the Congress should immediately clarify its position if it respected Sanatan faith.

"Ayodhya is not an ordinary political destination. It is the birthplace of Lord Ram and a centre of faith for crores of Sanatanis. Every political party visiting the city must respect its religious traditions," he said.

He urged the Congress to stop what he described as anti-Sanatan politics and respect religious sentiments.

Meanwhile, Ayodhya district Congress president Chet Narayan Singh defended Rai and said the state Congress chief was a Sanatani who regularly visits Ayodhya and offers prayers at Hanumangarhi and Ram temple.

Singh said he had no information about the alleged fish feast organised during Rai's welcome.

"If any worker has done something that brings disrepute to Sanatan traditions, the organisation will take action," he said.

The controversy has added a religious dimension to Rai's Ayodhya visit, with the sant community demanding an explanation from the Congress over the alleged feast. The party is yet to issue a detailed response to the video and claims about the quantity of fish served.