New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is now imposing its "deeply problematic" dietary preferences on dignitaries from across the world, a day after an all-vegetarian spread was served at a BRICS Summit gala dinner. Leader of the Opposition (Lop) in the Lok Sabha pointed out ina post on X that "80 per cent of Indians are non-vegetarian".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the dinner for the leaders and delegates of the BRICS Summit at the Bharat Mandapam Saturday.
In a post on social media platforms X, Facebook and Instagram, Gandhi wrote, "For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious. As are my sister's chole bhature."
He also posted a picture of chole bhature on a dining table.
For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian.Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious. As are my sister's chole bhature. pic.twitter.com/8f6ziKjLan
While Gandhi made no direct reference to the BRICS dinner, Congress's media and publicity department head Pawan Khera shared the screenshot of the menu from the dinner and attacked the BJP.
"The BJP's habit of imposing its dietary preferences on fellow Indians is already deeply problematic. Now, they have taken it a step further by imposing their own choices on dignitaries from across the world," Khera said on X.
India is a rich, diverse, multi-cuisine country, home to some of the finest non-vegetarian delicacies that people across the world relish and enjoy, he said.
"Is it ashamed of the diversity that makes India what it is," the Congress leader asked.
The BJP’s habit of imposing its dietary preferences on fellow Indians is already deeply problematic. Now, they have taken it a step further by imposing their own choices on dignitaries from across the world.India is a rich, diverse, multi-cuisine country, home to some of the… https://t.co/zmVlB9midT pic.twitter.com/8OfRgUdFar
The remarks came a day after the gala dinner, which featured an elaborate all-vegetarian menu.
'Khandvi mille', a steamed gram-flour roll, and 'khumb galouti', pan-grilled mushroom kebabs with mint pearls, were served as starters
The main course offered 'paneer lababdar', 'gucchi marmik' -- Himalayan morel mushrooms and tender asparagus -- and 'carrot bean poriyal'.
The other items on the menu included 'thakkali belle saaru' -- light lentil broth, millet pulao, beetroot raita, and assorted Indian breads.
For the desserts, 'Old Delhi fruit cream with jalebi' and 'shahtoot phirni' wrapped up the menu for the VVIP guests.