Jitendra Awhad of NCP Apologizes for Stir Caused by 'Lord Ram Non-Vegetarian' Statement

NCP's Jitendra Awhad faced backlash for claiming Lord Ram was non-vegetarian. He expressed regret, citing no intent to offend sentiments. BJP filed a complaint, criticizing his remarks, while the Ram Temple's chief priest refuted Awhad's claims. Tensions heightened, leading to protests and increased security measures around Awhad's residence.

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NCP leader Jitendra Awhad faced significant backlash following his controversial statement claiming that Lord Ram was a non-vegetarian. Awhad, associated with the NCP-Sharad Pawar faction, expressed regret, emphasizing that his intention wasn't to offend anyone's sentiments.

His statement, asserting Ram's non-vegetarian preferences, ignited a heated debate, with Awhad linking Ram's identity to the Bahujans and their dietary inclinations during Ram's exile in the forest. He defended his stance, questioning the practicality of finding vegetarian food in such circumstances.

This controversy emerged just days before the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, magnifying the sensitivity and impact of Awhad's statement. The BJP, particularly leader Ram Kadam, strongly condemned Awhad's remarks, filing a complaint against him for disrespecting the sentiments of Ram devotees.

Kadam also criticized former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray for his silence on the issue, accusing him of playing divisive politics rather than standing up for Hindu sentiments. Simultaneously, the chief priest of the Ram Temple vehemently refuted Awhad's claims, asserting that scriptures depict Lord Ram consuming fruits during exile, not meat.

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The situation intensified further when supporters of the Ajit Pawar faction protested outside Awhad's residence, holding pictures of Lord Ram and chanting slogans against Awhad. This led to heightened security measures by deploying additional police personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.

The entire episode underscores the intersection of politics, faith, and sentiment, stirring emotions and controversies. It highlights the delicate balance between religious beliefs, political affiliations, and the impact of public statements on sentiments, especially in the backdrop of significant religious events like the Ram Temple's consecration. Awhad's expression of regret aimed to pacify the escalating tensions but did little to quell the widespread repercussions of his contentious remarks.