Jitendra Awhad’s insults Lord Ram | Instances when NCP leader’s remarks stoked controversy

New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Jitendra Awhad, sparked outrage on Wednesday by referring to Lord Ram as a 'Meat Eater.' 

Addressing a rally in Nashik's Shirdi, Awhad asserted, “The man lived in the forest for 14 years, where he would have got vegetarian food in jungles.” 

Not the first time that Jitendra Awhad stirred controversy 

This is not the first time that Jitendra Awhad has stirred controversy. In a recent tweet, he made controversial remarks regarding historical figures, stating that Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj could not be understood without acknowledging the roles of their adversaries.

Awhad called for the public hanging of the ‘The Kerala Story’ producer 

Awhad's comments have not been confined to historical figures. He also ignited a massive controversy by calling for the public hanging of the producer of the film 'The Kerala Story,' alleging that it defamed a state and its women. This statement came after BJP-ruled states declared the movie tax-free while Kerala and West Bengal prohibited its release.

Awhad claimed Mughal emperor Aurangzeb wasn’t a Hindu hater 

The controversies surrounding historical figures seem unending in Maharashtra, with Awhad previously claiming that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was not a Hindu hater. However, in an attempt to mitigate potential backlash, Awhad added that Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler who killed his brother and father to ascend the throne.

Despite these controversies, Awhad expressed a pragmatic perspective, stating, "I am of the view there is no reason to go back in history as it results in escalating fresh disputes among society." 

As Maharashtra continues to grapple with these controversial statements, Awhad's remarks are likely to fuel further debates and discussions on the role of historical figures in shaping the narrative of the state.