The Bharatiya Janata Party has sharply criticized the Indian National Congress for what it called the politicization of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food choices served during recent BRICS summits, following a social media post by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi took to X, formerly Twitter, to draw attention to the prevalence of non-vegetarian dishes at BRICS gatherings, stating that approximately 80 percent of the menu consisted of non-veg items. His post quickly gained traction among supporters who saw it as a reflection of India’s diverse culinary landscape and its ability to cater to varied dietary preferences on the global stage.
The BJP responded almost immediately, with several party leaders calling the tweet an attempt to drag politics into a matter of food and culture. They argued that the BRICS platform brings together nations with distinct food traditions and that the menu naturally reflects the interests of member countries rather than any single ideological agenda.
BJP spokespersons emphasized that India has consistently championed the cause of vegetarianism internationally and has worked toward inclusive dining arrangements at multilateral forums. They pointed out that vegetarian options remain prominently available and questioned the timing and intent behind Gandhi’s post.
Political analysts note that the exchange highlights the broader contest between the two major parties over cultural narratives and identity politics. While Gandhi’s supporters viewed the post as a celebration of India’s multicultural food scene, critics said it risked trivializing the diplomatic achievements of the BRICS grouping.
The controversy has also sparked informal debate across social media platforms, with users sharing opinions on whether food choices at international summits should carry any political meaning whatsoever. Both parties continue to use the incident as fodder for their respective digital outreach campaigns.
