New Delhi — Just a day after the BRICS summit concluded with its now-notorious all-vegetarian dinner menu, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reignited the debate over dietary choices and political messaging, claiming that roughly 80 per cent of India's population is vegetarian.
Gandhi's comment came in the aftermath of the BRICS heads-of-state dinner, where reports emerged that no meat or fish was served, prompting widespread discussion across social media and political circles alike. The Indian government faced questions about why the menu was exclusively vegetarian despite representing a bloc of nations with diverse cultural and dietary traditions.
Speaking to journalists, Gandhi said that his figure of 80 per cent vegetarianism was based on what he described as widely accepted data, though independent demographic surveys have often placed India's vegetarian population closer to the 20–40 per cent range, depending on the source and methodology used. Critics of Gandhi's assertion pointed out that no credible census or national health survey supports the 80 per cent claim.
The controversy around the BRICS dinner itself began when photos and videos of the all-vegetarian spread went viral online. While the Indian government defended the choice as reflecting India's cultural heritage and respect for its traditions, opposition leaders accused the ruling party of turning state hospitality into a political statement.
BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, represents a diverse grouping spanning continents, cuisines, and customs. Political analysts noted that hosting an exclusively vegetarian dinner for such a varied assembly was unusual and invited both praise and criticism.
The episode has reopened long-standing debates in India over the intersection of food, culture, and politics — a topic that has frequently surfaced in electoral campaigns and parliamentary discussions.
