<p>Mumbai: A statement by veteran politician and NCP MLA Dr Jitendra Awhad that Lord Ram was a non-vegetarian sparked off a major controversy in Maharashtra. </p><p>A former minister, Dr Awhad, a three-time MLA from Mumbra-Kalwa in Thane, is a close aide of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.</p><p>The BJP has slammed Awhad for the statement after which he tendered an apology but added that people should come to judgements only after proper study of the subject and referred to texts from Valmiki’s Ramayan. </p><p>The comments coming just weeks ahead of the 22 January, 2024, consecration of idol of Ram Lalla at the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, sparked off a major political issue.</p><p>Also, the issue snowballed as the NCP’s two-day preparatory meeting for ensuing Lok Sabha polls was underway in Shirdi.</p>.<p>“Lord Ram belongs to the Bahujan. Lord Ram belongs to Kshatriyas. People want us to turn us vegetarian but Lord Ram used to hunt and eat meat. Lord Ram was a non-vegetarian. How do you expect a person who lived in the forest for 14 years to search for vegetarian food,” said Dr Awhad. </p><p>The video of Dr Ahwad’s statement spread like wildfire in social media platforms and Pawar too came under fire from BJP and Right-wing political parties and organisations. </p><p>“The statement that Lord Ram was non-vegetarian is totally false. Lord Ram consumed fruits even in exile. It is an unfortunate statement,” said Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, in Ayodhya. </p><p>In the temple town of Shirdi on Thursday, Dr Awhad tendered an apology. “If sentiments are hurt, I apologise. I spoke in the flow yesterday, but I don’t speak without research…study (of an issue) is important…we cant go just by sentiments…you can’t discuss an issue without logic,” he said.</p><p>In support of his claim, Dr Awhad produced copies of texts from Valmiki Ramayana and other historical books, however, he said that he would not speak on the contents. “I suggest it must be read,” he said. </p><p>BJP MLA Ram Kadam said: “If Balasaheb Thackeray was alive, today's Saamana newspaper would have spoken harshly about those who called Lord Ram a non-vegetarian.” </p><p>At many places, there were protests and sloganeering against Dr Awhad even as police complaints were filed against him. </p>
<p>Mumbai: A statement by veteran politician and NCP MLA Dr Jitendra Awhad that Lord Ram was a non-vegetarian sparked off a major controversy in Maharashtra. </p><p>A former minister, Dr Awhad, a three-time MLA from Mumbra-Kalwa in Thane, is a close aide of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.</p><p>The BJP has slammed Awhad for the statement after which he tendered an apology but added that people should come to judgements only after proper study of the subject and referred to texts from Valmiki’s Ramayan. </p><p>The comments coming just weeks ahead of the 22 January, 2024, consecration of idol of Ram Lalla at the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, sparked off a major political issue.</p><p>Also, the issue snowballed as the NCP’s two-day preparatory meeting for ensuing Lok Sabha polls was underway in Shirdi.</p>.<p>“Lord Ram belongs to the Bahujan. Lord Ram belongs to Kshatriyas. People want us to turn us vegetarian but Lord Ram used to hunt and eat meat. Lord Ram was a non-vegetarian. How do you expect a person who lived in the forest for 14 years to search for vegetarian food,” said Dr Awhad. </p><p>The video of Dr Ahwad’s statement spread like wildfire in social media platforms and Pawar too came under fire from BJP and Right-wing political parties and organisations. </p><p>“The statement that Lord Ram was non-vegetarian is totally false. Lord Ram consumed fruits even in exile. It is an unfortunate statement,” said Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, in Ayodhya. </p><p>In the temple town of Shirdi on Thursday, Dr Awhad tendered an apology. “If sentiments are hurt, I apologise. I spoke in the flow yesterday, but I don’t speak without research…study (of an issue) is important…we cant go just by sentiments…you can’t discuss an issue without logic,” he said.</p><p>In support of his claim, Dr Awhad produced copies of texts from Valmiki Ramayana and other historical books, however, he said that he would not speak on the contents. “I suggest it must be read,” he said. </p><p>BJP MLA Ram Kadam said: “If Balasaheb Thackeray was alive, today's Saamana newspaper would have spoken harshly about those who called Lord Ram a non-vegetarian.” </p><p>At many places, there were protests and sloganeering against Dr Awhad even as police complaints were filed against him. </p>