New Delhi: (RightNow) The Modi government faced criticism at the BRICS summit when only vegetarian dishes were served at the official dinner. Russian President Putin and Iranian President, among other global leaders, were invited.

The vegetarian menu included 10 dishes, with no meat, fish, or egg-based items. A British newspaper accused the Modi government of imposing vegetarian food.

The opposition claims this reflects Modi’s narrow-mindedness. Rahul Gandhi stated on social media that 80% of India’s population consumes meat, and the Modi government should not restrict Indian food culture.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju commented that Congress is politicizing the food menu. He mentioned that food choices are also linked to caste and religion.

It is noteworthy that vegetarian food is favored by Hindu Brahmins in India, while non-vegetarian food is popular among Muslims, Dalits, and Christians. Occasionally, BJP-majority states impose bans on meat sales.