That political fasts have always been seen by large sections of the public as 'symbolic' acts by leaders given to lavish lifestyles is a known fact. However, the advent of social media and viral news has ensured that behind-the-curtains 'feasting before and during a fast' could lead to political reputations being singed.
And this is being especially true in what is quickly becoming a season for fasts: in April alone, the AIADMK, YSRCP, Congress and BJP have either held or are going to organise fasts over a host of different issues.
Less than a week ago, videos of AIADMK cadres gorging on biriyani in Vellore and Pudukottai went viral even as the party was observing a day-long fast to demand constitution of the Cauvery Management Board. On Monday, it was the turn of the Congress, which organised a fast at Rajghat for communal amity.
BJP supporters started circulating images of senior Delhi Congress leaders including Ajay Maken and Arvinder Singh Lovely eating chole bhature at a restaurant. Speaking to a news agency, Lovely refuted the allegations and said the leaders were photographed at 8:00am and the fast was being organised from 10:30am to 4:30pm. He declared that the BJP was trying to manufacture a controversy.
The Congress can hope for a parting shot as BJP MPs are planning to stage a fast on April 12 to protest the recently disrupted Budget Session of Parliament. The only question remaining would be what would be the 'likely' menu!