A political storm has erupted in Madhya Pradesh over food, following a high tea event organized by a state minister where non-vegetarian snacks were served, drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition Congress.
The Incident That Stirred the Controversy
The controversy unfolded on Saturday following a press conference held by Minister for Cottage and Small Industries, Dileep Jaiswal, at a city hotel in Bhopal. The press meet was intended to highlight the department's achievements over the past two years. However, the post-event high tea became the focal point of a major dispute.
Bhupendra Gupta, the chairman of the Congress party's state ideological wing, issued a press statement alleging that snacks like 'keema vada pav' and 'fish cutlet' were part of the spread. Gupta claimed that several journalists who were vegetarians had begun eating these items, unaware of their non-vegetarian nature, which later led to a ruckus upon discovery.
Congress Cites Old Circular, BJP Minister Denies Ruckus
In his statement, Gupta pointed to a circular issued by the previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government. This circular explicitly barred the serving of non-vegetarian food at any official state government programme. Citing this, the Congress leader sought an immediate clarification from the current government on whether this policy had been altered.
Gupta further sharpened his attack, questioning the BJP's stance. "BJP, which opposes proposals to add eggs in the mid-day meal menu for school students or food supplied to malnourished children, should explain how a minister could serve non-vegetarian food during his press conference," Gupta told the Times of India.
When contacted by TOI, Minister Dileep Jaiswal dismissed the allegations as an attempt by the Opposition to "unnecessarily hype the issue." He retorted, "Was anyone from the Congress present during the high tea?" Jaiswal admitted that officials from his department had indeed set up a separate stall for non-vegetarian food as part of the arrangements. "I got it removed once I got to know about it, as it's not a norm with BJP," the minister stated, while firmly denying that any commotion occurred during the programme.
Broader Implications and Political Reactions
This incident has quickly escalated into a debate over dietary preferences, cultural norms, and political consistency in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress's accusation aims to highlight a perceived contradiction in the BJP's public positions on food served in government-associated events. The reference to the mid-day meal scheme is a strategic move to connect the incident to broader welfare policies.
The minister's swift action to remove the stall indicates an adherence to the unwritten party protocol, yet the fact that it was arranged by his own department officials raises questions about internal communication and awareness of guidelines. The episode underscores how food, a daily essential, can become a potent symbol for political point-scoring in India's vibrant democracy.
