NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad finds himself at the center of a controversy as he tenders an apology for his recent comment on Lord Ram’s dietary habits, a statement that has ignited a significant uproar. The remark, asserting that “Lord Ram was a non-vegetarian,” has faced criticism from various quarters, including right-wing groups and devotees, especially with the approaching inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.
The controversy has escalated to the point where legal action is being sought against the MLA Jitendra Awhad by individuals who claim that his statement has hurt religious sentiments. Simultaneously, protests have erupted on the streets, as many express their displeasure with Awhad’s comments.
Attempting to justify his stance, Jitendra Awhad, during a press conference in Mumbai, stated, “Look, I am telling you I did not bring my own interpretation or views into it. I did not incorporate any ideas of my own. I based my opinion on whatever is written in Valmiki Ramayana.” He emphasized that his words were rooted in the ancient text and not influenced by personal biases.
Expressing regret for any offense caused, Awhad remarked, “I do express regret if my words offended someone’s feelings. I did not wish to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” as quoted by news agency ANI.
Awhad further defended his position by citing an “authentic version” of the Ramayana, claiming it was written 1,800 years ago and published in Kolkata in 1891. He asserted that IIT Kanpur had even published a research paper on this version, asserting the credibility of his source.
Refuting allegations of misinterpretation, Awhad outlined the six khands (chapters) of the Valmiki Ramayana, namely Balakand, Ayodhyakand, Aranyakand, Kishkindakhand, Sunderkand, and Yudhkand. He urged critics to refer to the scripture, particularly the 120th verse of the Ayodhya khand, to comprehend the basis of his remarks.
In his controversial statement, Awhad had claimed, “Lord Ram belongs to us, Bahujans. He used to hunt and eat animals. He is a Bahujan.” This assertion sparked a fierce reaction, with Awhad contending that Lord Ram, during his 14 years in exile in the forest, was a non-vegetarian, challenging the prevailing perception of him as a vegetarian.
The controversy has not been limited to verbal exchanges, as the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP protested outside Awhad’s Mumbai residence, denouncing his remarks. BJP MLA Ram Kadam, leading the protest, returned with a poster of Awhad, symbolically hitting it with slippers. Kadam has also lodged a complaint with the police against the NCP leader.
Kadam expressed, “It is their mindset to hurt the sentiments of the Ram bhakts. However, we won’t tolerate it if they make fun of our Sanatan Dharm for votes. The realization of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya doesn’t seem to have gone down well with the ghamandiya (arrogant) alliance,” as reported by ANI.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Awhad’s apology and the subsequent developments will impact the political and religious landscape surrounding the Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya.