A sharp political debate has broken out following the gala dinner hosted for world leaders at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, after the government served an entirely vegetarian menu to international dignitaries.
Congress Accuses BJP of Imposing Dietary Preferences Top leaders from the Opposition, led by the Congress party, voiced strong disapproval of the menu served at the high-profile banquet. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted India’s dietary demographics on social media, emphasizing that 80 percent of Indians are non-vegetarian and praising the country’s rich non-vegetarian culinary heritage alongside traditional vegetarian dishes.
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Adding to the criticism, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera accused the government of projecting a monolithic view of Indian food culture:
- Erasure of Diversity: Opposing leaders argued that limiting the banquet to vegetarian options fails to represent the country’s vast regional cuisines.
- Global Exposure: Leaders such as Waris Pathan noted that iconic dishes like Hyderabadi biryani, butter chicken, and Goan fish curry should have been featured to showcase the full spectrum of Indian flavors to world leaders.
An Elaborate Vegetarian Spread Despite the political pushback, the dinner featured an extensive gourmet menu curated around traditional ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Starters included Khumb Galouti (pan-grilled mushroom kebabs with mint pearls) and Khandvi Mille.
The main course showcased regional specialties such as Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik (Himalayan morel mushrooms with asparagus), Carrot Bean Poriyal, Thakkali Belle Saaru, millet pulao, and assorted traditional breads. The feast concluded with classic desserts, including Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni.
