'Eat fish, pig or elephant...why show?': Rajnath Singh to Tejashwi
What's the story
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has criticized Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav over a video that shows Yadav consuming fish with Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani.
Singh expressed his disapproval at a public gathering in Bihar's Jamui, questioning the message Yadav was trying to convey by openly performing the act during a period of religious austerity.
"You may eat fish, a pig or an elephant. But what is the point you are trying to prove," Singh said.
Political tactics
Singh accuses Yadav of seeking votes through religious manipulation
Singh suggested that Yadav and his party believed their actions would secure votes from a specific religious group.
"Lalu ji, I request you to handle such people," the union minister added.
Singh also criticized Misa Bharti, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, suggesting that those currently incarcerated or out on bail are discussing the possibility of imprisoning Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Twitter Post
Don't do this for votes: Singh
Jamui, Bihar: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Eat whatever you want to eat, but don't do this for votes." pic.twitter.com/Qv2mn0kda8
— IANS (@ians_india) April 14, 2024
Political reactions
'Mughal mentality': PM Modi on opposition leaders eating non-veg
Earlier, PM Modi also criticized opposition leaders for their non-vegetarian dietary habits during the sacred Hindu months of 'Sawan' and 'Navratri.'
He referred to this as a reflection of their "Mughal mindset."
He asserted that such videos are posted during Hindu auspicious occasions in order to taunt and upset the majority of India's population.
"These people are cooking mutton after visiting a criminal's house in Sawan. They make videos to mock the people of the country," he said.
Counter response
Yadav retaliates, challenges PM Modi on pressing issues
In response to the criticisms, Yadav challenged PM Modi to address pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and Bihar's special status.
He revealed that the controversial video was filmed on April 8, before Navratri, and that he had intentionally delayed its release to test the 'IQ' of BJP leaders.
Yadav also accused BJP leaders of having no knowledge and never talking about real issues like unemployment, migration, and poverty.