Mumbai, September 17 (Daily Kiran) : The recent BRICS Summit in New Delhi has sparked political controversy over the decision to serve only vegetarian meals to foreign dignitaries. Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the central government on Thursday, arguing that this choice imposes dietary preferences on international guests.
In an editorial published in their mouthpiece, Saamana, the party emphasized that food preferences are a matter of personal freedom and should not be dictated by the government or any political organization. The editorial expressed discontent over the gala dinner held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12, where leaders of the 11-member BRICS group were served exclusively vegetarian dishes.
The editorial described this move as an imposition of dietary choices on world leaders. It stated that whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, food choices should be respected as personal liberties. The menu included items such as Khandvi, mushroom kebabs, paneer lababdar, millet pulao, Gujarati-style dhokli bele saru, jalebi, and firni.
Shiv Sena likened the menu to serving grass and wild greens to guests, questioning what the Modi government hoped to achieve by enforcing vegetarianism on the majority of the world’s population, most of whom are non-vegetarians. The editorial claimed this decision made India the subject of ridicule on the global stage.
The piece also drew comparisons between the BRICS gala dinner and Indian weddings, citing the more flavorful dishes served at high-profile weddings, such as that of Supriya Sule’s daughter, Revati. It suggested that if non-vegetarian dishes like those from Delhi’s famous Karim’s—tandoori chicken, biryani, butter chicken, Goan fish curry, Kolhapuri dishes, and Malvani fish—had been served, foreign dignitaries would have truly enjoyed their meals.
Rejecting the claim that the menu reflected the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace, the Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, argued that Gandhi never imposed his personal vegetarian preferences on others.
The editorial provided historical examples to support its argument, mentioning that when Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and his family visited the Sevagram Ashram in Wardha, a separate kitchen was set up outside the main premises to prepare non-vegetarian food for them. It also recalled that during a state visit to Russia, former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, a staunch supporter of alcohol prohibition, respected local customs by allowing vodka in his glass, even if he did not drink it.
Furthermore, the editorial noted that during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Mahabalipuram, a variety of non-vegetarian dishes were served, with chefs specially invited from across the country.
Shiv Sena accused the ruling government and affiliated organizations of attempting to alter India’s diverse food culture. It highlighted concerns over the awarding of mid-day meal contracts in schools to organizations like ISKCON and claimed that eggs have been removed from children’s meals. The editorial also addressed local issues, such as discrimination against non-vegetarians in cities like Mumbai when it comes to housing, labeling it as a crime.
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