Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Motihari, Bihar, as RJD leaders seized on Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s mutton event, held during the sacred Hindu month of Sawan, as evidence of double standards within the ruling coalition.
The opposition, led by Tejashwi Yadav, questioned why Modi had not addressed what they called a hypocrisy: “BJP would now say it is ‘punya’ that Lalan Singh is feeding mutton to his people … They won’t say anything now,” he remarked on social media, casting doubt on the moral stance of the Modi-led administration.
Organised in Suryagarha, Lakhisarai district—which lies in Lalan Singh’s Munger constituency—the event coincided with the minister’s foundation‑stone ceremony for development schemes. Attendees were offered both vegetarian and non‑vegetarian dishes, and Singh defended it as a standard function where food was served to all.
Tejashwi Yadav framed the issue as politically charged, recalling how the BJP had previously condemned his own dietary choices during religious observances, including when he consumed fish during Navratri and when his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, hosted a mutton feast with Rahul Gandhi during Sawan two years ago. He said: “When PM comes here tomorrow, I hope he comments on this—that their own minister is feeding mutton in Sawan”.
Lalan Singh, representing the Janata Dal, dismissed the criticism, stating: “There was an inauguration event, and food was served to everyone. There was nothing unusual about it”. JD spokesperson Neeraj Kumar added that the spread included vegetarian fare and that food items did not contain onion or garlic—addressing the religious sensitivities around Sawan.
Bihar politics has witnessed this food‑faith interplay repeatedly. In August 2023, Lalu Prasad Yadav hosted a mutton feast during Sawan, triggering fierce BJP backlash, while last year Tejashwi was criticised for eating fish during the holy Navratri period. In both instances, Prime Minister Modi labelled the actions inflammatory, accusing leaders of disregarding religious sentiments to court votes.
As Modi made his fifth Bihar visit in seven months—following stops in Bhagalpur, Madhubani, Bikramganj, Siwan, and Motihari—RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and party members accused him of campaign‑driven visits, dubbing his frequent travel “chunavakarshan bal”. Tejashwi also pointedly asked why the long‑promised Motihari sugar mill project had not been revived, critiquing election‑era pledges as unfulfilled.
Congress leaders joined the chorus, alleging the event exemplified political opacity. “People like Lalan Singh win elections by any means necessary, including serving mutton, chicken and liquor to mislead people,” stated Congress spokesperson Gyan Ranjan Gupta, while RJD’s Mrityunjay Tiwari branded the event “classic double standards”.
With assembly elections expected in October–November, the mutton party has become a focal flashpoint. It underscores how cultural and religious sensitivities continue to permeate Bihar’s electoral narrative, with parties ready to weaponise even food choices for political advantage.
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