Lord Ram was king of Bahujans… was non-vegetarian, says Jitendra Awhad; sparks war of words

NCP-Sharad Pawar faction leader, Dr.Jitendra Awhad at an event in Maharashtra’s Shirdi yesterday said, “Lord Ram was not a vegetarian, he was a non-vegetarian. Where would a person living in the forest for 14 years go to find vegetarian food? Is it correct or not (question to the… pic.twitter.com/xxUdxB4yoe

— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2024

Awhad’s statement came on a day when ruling BJP MLA Ram Kadam wrote to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demanding January 22 — the day the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated — be declared as dry day and non-vegetarian food banned for a day. BJP was quick to target Awhad, terming him as one who disrespected emotions of crores of devotees of Ram.

“What proof does Jitendra Awhad have to show Lord Ram ate non-vegetarian food? Had he gone to see that? At a time when the temple is being inaugurated, he has disrespected the emotions of crores of devotees of Lord Ram,” said Kadam.

Ruling NCP’s state president Sunil Tatkare taunted Awhad saying “he (Tatkare) was not capable to match the wisdom of Awhad and it is better not to even talk about it”.

Awhad maintained that he said nothing controversial. “My statements were factual. A systematic attempt is being made to make Ram a vegetarian. Over 80% people of this country are non-vegetarian and they are devotees of Lord Ram,” he said.

Awhad in his speech also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and said that making him deputy CM in MVA government despite his 2019 early morning swearing-in ceremony with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis was a mistake.

“It was a mistake of the NCP to make him the deputy CM once again. He insulted those loyal to Sharad Pawar at every possible point,” said Awhad.

Tatkare was quick to target Awhad saying had Ajit Pawar not become deputy CM in MVA government, it would have collapsed right away.