Fish without onion, garlic is vegetarian? UP minister’s remark sparks debate

Lucknow: Fish without onion and garlic is vegetarian — at least according to Uttar Pradesh minister and Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad.

Speaking at News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand’s ‘Badalta Purvi Uttar Pradesh’ event, Nishad made the unusual claim while referring to an earlier statement on the same subject.

His reasoning was based on the fact that no religious authority had challenged the claim when it was made previously.

“When it was earlier said that fish without garlic and onion is vegetarian, no ‘Maharaj ji’ countered it. Staying silent means the statement is correct,” Nishad said.

Nishad made the comment with a smile, arguing that the lack of a response from a religious figure was itself enough to support the claim.

The remark became the central talking point from his appearance at the event, where he also touched upon the Nishad community’s identity and political standing.

Nishad claimed that the bow-and-arrow symbol associated with the Uttar Pradesh government is an emblem of the Nishad community and said the community takes pride in it.

He also briefly spoke about his recent London visit, where he shared a stage with Gorakhpur MP and Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan. Nishad joked that while Ravi Kishan entertained the audience with songs, he “wore everyone out”.

His comments later turned political, with Nishad invoking “Nishad Raj” and saying those who supported it were brothers, while those who opposed it would be labelled “kasai”, or butcher. He also criticised the BSP, Samajwadi Party and Congress.