Assam Health Minister’s ‘Cauliflower’ Post Sparks Political Controversy After NDA’s Bihar Victory

Following the historic victory of the NDA in the Bihar Assembly elections, a social media post by Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal has ignited a nationwide political debate. The minister shared a photograph of a cauliflower field on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Bihar approves Gobi farming”. Opposition leaders have called the post insensitive and controversial, linking it to the 1989 Bhagalpur riots.

Singhal’s post has attracted attention from Assam to West Bengal. The Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) condemned it as highly offensive. TMC leader Saket Gokhale stated that the post disrespects the memory of Muslims killed in the 1989 Bhagalpur riots, suggesting that it may not be the act of an individual alone but could reflect tacit approval up to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Congress Lok Sabha deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi described the minister’s post as “a new and shocking low in political discourse”, calling it obscene and disgraceful, while also questioning Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s stance.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor added that mocking historical tragedies is unacceptable in a democratic society.

For context, the 1989 Bhagalpur riots in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district erupted after communal clashes between Hindus and Muslims. The violence began on October 24 and lasted nearly two months. Nearly 1,000 people were killed, and over 250 villages were affected. In particular, the villages of Logaan and Chanderi witnessed severe violence. Many of the victims, mostly Muslims, were buried in fields, where cauliflower crops were later planted to conceal evidence.

In the recent Bihar Assembly elections, the NDA won 202 seats, with the BJP securing 89, JD(U) 85, LJP(R) 19, HAM 5, and RL(M) 4 seats. The Mahagathbandhan was reduced to just 35 seats. Amid celebrations by the victorious leaders, Ashok Singhal’s post has become a flashpoint of political controversy.

The post has not only raised questions about the tone of BJP leaders in Assam but also highlighted how sensitive historical events and religious sentiments can become highly contentious when invoked on political platforms. The opposition has demanded action in the matter.