BRICS summit dinner menu sparks political row in India

A dispute has erupted over the dinner arrangements at the BRICS summit after organisers opted to serve exclusively vegetarian cuisine at the official state banquet. Congress lawmaker Rahul Gandhi seized on the decision to criticise the government, arguing that the menu did not reflect the dietary preferences of India's broader population.

Gandhi claimed that approximately 80 percent of Indians consume non-vegetarian food, suggesting that the all-vegetarian menu was unrepresentative of national eating habits. The opposition politician's remarks drew swift retaliation from the ruling BJP, which disputed his figures and defended the catering arrangements.

The exchange highlights the political sensitivities surrounding food and cultural practices in India, where dietary choices often intersect with questions of representation and national identity. The BRICS summit, which brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has become the backdrop for domestic political messaging among Indian politicians.

The BJP's response underscored the government's position that the menu selection reflected careful consideration of logistical and diplomatic factors for an international gathering. The row reflects broader political tensions ahead of upcoming electoral cycles in India.