Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and former BJP leader, Shatrughan Sinha, has ignited a political firestorm with his statement calling for a nationwide ban on non-vegetarian food. His comments, made on Wednesday, have triggered strong reactions from both opposition parties and TMC leaders in West Bengal.
Sinha, an actor-turned-politician, told reporters, “Beef has been banned in many parts of the country. I think that not only beef but non-vegetarian food in general should be banned in the country,” reported Indian Express. This bold statement quickly garnered attention, with sharp criticisms from opposition figures across the state.
BJP leader Jagannath Chattopadhyay voiced his support for Sinha’s comments, stating, “I am welcoming what Shatrughan Sinha said but whether Mamata Banerjee is welcoming his stand or not, let her make it clear,” according to India Express.
However, Sinha’s call for a non-veg ban was met with opposition from within his own party as well. CPIM leader Sujan Chakraborty criticized the TMC for what he described as its attempt to please the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of aligning with the organization’s views. He also mentioned another incident involving a TMC MP, Rachana Banerjee, who reportedly praised the Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath after visiting the Kumbh Mela, even amidst the crisis there.
Within the TMC, leaders were quick to distance themselves from Sinha’s remarks. TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh emphasized that the party, under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, believes in the freedom of individuals to choose their food, religion, and dress. “Our leader Mamata Banerjee always says everybody should have freedom over their food habits, religion, and dress… It can’t be dictated and can’t be ruled,” Ghosh asserted.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh also expressed his disapproval, stating, “I love vegetarian food but I prefer non-veg dishes. I have the freedom to eat. Nobody can dictate that.”
Former TMC MP Jawhar Sarkar added his voice to the opposition, asserting that a nationwide ban on non-vegetarian food was neither practical nor constitutional. “What he will eat is his food, it’s a matter of him. No decision has been made to ban non-veg food at all levels. Even if some handful of people have such a plan, it is impossible to do that. Because 78 percent of the people in the country eat non-veg food. It can’t be done. It is against the Constitution,” he said.
This is not the first time that food habits have become a contentious issue in Indian politics. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had criticized opposition leaders for allegedly consuming mutton during the holy month of Sawan, calling their actions an expression of “Mughal mentality.” He further accused leaders from Congress and the INDIA bloc of mocking the people of India by consuming non-vegetarian food after visiting a “criminal’s house” during the holy month.
Sinha’s comments have put the TMC in an uncomfortable position, as party leaders attempt to manage the backlash and clarify their stance on food freedoms amidst the ongoing political discourse in the state.