New Delhi: The recent social media post by Assam Minister Ashok Singhal has drawn strong criticism from citizens and rights advocates who viewed the remark as an insensitive reference to one of India’s darkest episodes of communal violence. The minister shared an image of a cauliflower field with the caption “Bihar approves Gobi farming” after the NDA’s election victory in Bihar. The post alarmed many because images of cauliflowers have long been used by extremist groups to allude to the Logain massacre during the 1989 Bhagalpur riots.
The post triggered disbelief among users. Several questioned how a serving cabinet minister could make a remark linked to a mass killing in which over 100 Muslims were buried beneath cauliflower saplings to hide their bodies. Critics described the post as irresponsible and harmful at a time when discourse often turns volatile online.
The Logain massacre remains one of the gravest tragedies in independent India. More than 1,000 people were killed during the riots across Bhagalpur, most of them Muslims. At Logain alone, a 4,000-strong mob killed 116 Muslims. Their bodies were secretly buried in farmland. Cauliflower and cabbage saplings were planted over the graves. The crime surfaced weeks later through official investigation.
The riots stretched for weeks and spread through Bhagalpur city and nearly 250 villages. Homes were destroyed. Entire families were uprooted. Reports documented widespread arson, attacks and targeted killings. Official inquiries later highlighted administrative lapses and failures in controlling the violence.
The minister’s post has renewed discussions on how political figures use social media. Commentators stressed the need for responsibility from those in public office. Community groups expressed concern that insensitive messaging risks deepening mistrust. Many urged authorities to reinforce norms that treat historical trauma with seriousness.
As online reactions continue, civil society voices have repeated calls for public representatives to exercise restraint and to promote dialogue that supports peace during sensitive political moments.
