New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the vegetarian dinner served at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi have triggered criticism from BJP leaders, while Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad backed his broader argument on respecting India’s diverse food traditions.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused Gandhi of failing to appreciate India’s diplomatic achievements at the summit. He said the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration was among the key outcomes, with China, Russia and other BRICS members signing the document.
Fadnavis also highlighted the declaration’s condemnation of terrorism and Pakistan, saying it represented a major strategic and diplomatic achievement for India and was welcomed by the Global South.
His remarks came after Gandhi commented on the all-vegetarian BRICS dinner menu. Gandhi said on social media that a large majority of Indians eat non-vegetarian food and praised Indian non-vegetarian cuisine. He also shared a picture of chole bhature, referring to his sister’s favourite dish.
Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishwas Sarang also criticised Gandhi, saying the Leader of Opposition should rise above partisan politics while commenting on an international event. Sarang said Gandhi should focus on the substantive issues discussed at the summit rather than the food served at the dinner.
“Everyone should rise above party politics when an international event is being held,” Sarang said, questioning why Gandhi had chosen to focus on the menu.
The SP, however, took a different position. Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said all forms of food should be respected in view of India’s cultural and regional diversity.
Prasad said India has varied traditions, clothing and food practices and stressed that different dietary traditions and beliefs should be respected and preserved.
The exchange has sparked a political debate over whether Gandhi’s remarks should be viewed as a comment on India’s dietary diversity or as an unnecessary focus on the BRICS dinner menu instead of the summit’s diplomatic outcomes.
FOLLOW NOW
