Gujarat ke gadhe? No, donkeys on sale in Uttar Pradesh

Post-election, a donkey fair in Uttar Pradesh is hogging the limelight.

Lucknow, March 22: The 'poor' animal--donkey--was a much-talked topic in the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. It was former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and president of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, who attacked his 'opponent' with the 'Gujarat ke gadhe' jibe, during his campaign.

His remark, definitely backfired, and Akhilesh faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Post-election and a new government in Uttar Pradesh--helmed by firebrand Hindutva leader Yogi Adityanath -- donkeys are back in news.

This time, they are not from Gujarat. In fact, the local donkeys in Uttar Pradesh are selling like 'hot cakes' at a fair -- 'Gardhabh Mela' (donkey fair) -- dedicated to the animal. Donkeys and its brethren are up for sale at Kaushambi's 'Gardhabh Mela' that concludes on Wednesday, reported ANI.

Unlike the usual insult and torture thrown at donkeys, at the Kaushambi fair they are revered. They are decorated with colours and fed food before putting them on display for sale in the fair.

According to reports, the price of donkeys ranged between a few thousand rupees to more than a lakh in the fair. Along with donkeys, mules and horses are also sold in the traditional mela.

During the campaign, Akhilesh made an 'opaque' attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to an advertisement of Gujarat government in which Amitabh Bachchan promotes tourism in the state.

He had said: "Ek gadhe ka vigyapan aata hai, main iss sadi ke sabse bade mahanayak se kahunge ke ab aap Gujarat ke gadhon ka prachar mat kariye (I would urge the Superstar of the Century-Amitabh-to stop advertising for donkeys of Gujarat)."

In reply to Akhilesh's jibe, PM Modi said he was proud to take inspiration from the donkey that serves its master day in and day out without prejudice and caring for itself.

"The people of the country are the bosses. I work tirelessly for them and will continue to do so." "For the donkey, it didn't matter if it was carrying a sack of sugar or lime on its back but just committed to doing its duty," the PM added.

OneIndia News