LUCKNOW, Aug. 25 -- A reported fish feast at a gathering attended by Congress leaders in Ayodhya has led to a war of words as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, its allies and the Opposition traded barbs on the issue. The controversy intensified after videos allegedly showing fish being prepared at an event organised by the Nishad community supporters of the Congress on Sunday in Kumarganj, about 50 km from Ayodhya Dham, circulated on social media. As the event was held during Sawan, considered a sacred month by Hindus, the issue gave the BJP the opportunity to accuse the Congress of disrespecting religious sentiments. Terming it as "double standards" of the Congress, chief minister Yogi Adityanath alleged the party's state president visited Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya and subsequently attended a fish feast. "After chanting Ram-Ram in a temple and bowing before Bajrang Bali, such conduct was shameful. Even a chameleon would be embarrassed by such behaviour," the chief minister said in Rae Bareli. State Congress president Ajay Rai, who offered prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya before attending the Nishad community gathering, denied eating fish at the event. He challenged his critics to provide evidence that he had consumed it. "I offered prayers at Hanumangarhi temple and the Ram temple. After that, I attended an event organised by the Nishad community. Fishing, selling fish and eating fish are part of their (Nishad community's) traditional livelihood," Rai said on Monday. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, "It is deeply saddening. Ayodhya Dham is the sacred abode of Lord Ram, and hosting such a feast there, especially during the holy month of Shravan, reflects the culture of the Congress party." Congress state incharge Rajendra Pal Gautam, who was also present at the event in Ayodhya district, said, "The BJP should show us at least one picture of mine or Ajay Rai eating fish. But they won't find it." Uttar Pradesh fisheries minister and Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad said, "The Congress needs to make its stance clear: whether it wants to go to the Hanumangarhi temple or eat fish. It is the Nishad community's culture and they will eat."...