BJP demands proof or apology over Nitin Nabin's Sawan meal claim

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday demanded that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party either provide evidence or issue a public apology for alleging that BJP president Nitin Nabin consumed non-vegetarian food during the ongoing Hindu holy month of Sawan.

In a post on social media platform X, the BJP said that Nabin, during his recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, ate 100 per cent vegetarian local dishes, including raw jackfruit curry (Panasa Mukkalu). The party accused the opposition of making unverified claims based on a lack of awareness about South Indian cuisine.

"If you have made an allegation, provide proof, or apologise! During his Andhra Pradesh visit, BJP national president Shri Nitin Nabin ate traditional local 100 per cent vegetarian dishes, including raw jackfruit curry (Panasa Mukkalu)," the BJP's post read.

"However, Congress, Samajwadi Party and their ecosystem are spreading false claims, without verification, that the food was non-vegetarian. The opposition's claim, which stems from a lack of awareness about South Indian cuisine, was exposed within a few hours. Now the direct question: Provide proof of the allegation or publicly apologise to the country. Politics should be based on truth, not lies!" it added.

The controversy began after the Congress and the Samajwadi Party shared a video showing Nabin and other party leaders having a meal at an event in Andhra Pradesh. The opposition parties claimed that the leaders were seen eating non-vegetarian food.

Chhattisgarh Congress, in a post on X, shared the video and said, "Sanatan on the face, values in speeches… the rest is evident from BJP's conduct." The Samajwadi Party also shared the video and accused Nabin of "mocking the country's Hindu majority."

"During the month of Sawan, and that too on Monday and Tuesday, you are eating meat, BJP president? Ram Ram Ram, this is a grave sin. Such an act is completely wrong," the Samajwadi Party said. "You are acting completely against Indian culture, civilisation and traditions, and are trying to mock the country's Hindu majority," it added.

On Monday, Nabin had posted a video of himself dining with BJP leaders of Andhra Pradesh. "Earlier today, I had the pleasure of enjoying authentic Andhra cuisine with my fellow party karyakartas," he said.

Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a holy month in the Hindu calendar, during which many devotees observe fasting and abstain from non-vegetarian food, particularly on Mondays and Tuesdays. The controversy highlights the political sensitivity around dietary practices during religious observances.