Overview
- A video that circulated over the weekend showed fish being prepared at a banquet where Nishad‑community leaders welcomed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai.
- Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and other BJP leaders accused Rai and the Congress of hypocrisy for visiting temples in Ayodhya and then attending an event where fish was served and demanded proof and apologies.
- Ajay Rai and Congress spokespeople denied he ate fish, challenged the BJP to produce a photograph or video proving otherwise, and said Rai would resign if conclusive evidence emerged.
- Organisers and Nishad leaders defended serving fish as a traditional livelihood and welcome custom for riverine communities, while media note the sensitivity because the event took place during Sawan and near rules restricting non‑vegetarian food around the Ram temple.
- Coverage falls along partisan lines with BJP outlets emphasising insult to religious sentiment and Congress outlets stressing community rights and political diversion, and mainstream reporting finds no independent, conclusive evidence tying Rai to eating fish.