A political row has erupted over the vegetarian menu served at the BRICS Summit gala dinner in New Delhi after Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi commented on the food choices.
Rahul Gandhi took to social media on Sunday and said that 80 per cent of Indians are non-vegetarian, while praising Indian non-vegetarian cuisine. He also shared a reference to his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s chole bhature. His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted BRICS leaders and delegates for a special dinner at Bharat Mandapam.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue: Rahul Gandhi's comment on Indian food habits
Location: New Delhi, India
Authority: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition
Action: Commented on social media
Impact: Triggered a heated BJP-Congress clash
The dinner featured an entirely vegetarian menu showcasing Indian regional cuisine and included dishes such as khandvi, khumb galouti, paneer lababdar and other traditional preparations. The meal was part of India's hospitality programme for leaders and delegates attending the 18th BRICS Summit.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back at Rahul Gandhi and accused the Congress of making politics out of the food served to foreign guests. Rijiju said the visiting leaders had enjoyed Indian vegetarian cuisine and highlighted its variety, nutritional value and regional diversity.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also entered the political exchange, turning the dinner menu into a wider debate over food preferences and cultural representation.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The controversy has shifted attention from the BRICS Summit's diplomatic agenda to a domestic political debate over food preferences and representation.
The controversy has added a domestic political angle to the BRICS Summit, which otherwise focused on global governance, economic cooperation, geopolitical tensions and the interests of the Global South.
