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Directive to prepare only vegetarian food in the Raj Bhavan kitchen
Thiruvananthapuram : A controversy has erupted on the very first day of the new Governor of Kerala taking office. When the new Governor, Om Prakash Mathur, issued a directive that only vegetarian food should be prepared in the Raj Bhavan kitchen, it did not sit well with either the ruling Congress party or the opposition CPM. Both parties have accused the Governor of imposing the ‘Sangh Parivar’ agenda. It is worth noting that Om Prakash Mathur has taken the oath as the 29th Governor of Kerala.
On his very first day, the Governor ordered that no non-vegetarian food is to be prepared or served in the Raj Bhavan kitchen. Reports indicate that Mathur is a vegetarian and avoids non-vegetarian food, which is the reason behind his directive. Meanwhile, sources have clarified that no restrictions have been imposed on the food consumed by the staff working at the Raj Bhavan.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal stated that Kerala has a diverse culinary culture. As a coastal state, fish is a staple part of the local diet. He emphasized that the people of the state are free to choose what they eat, and the Congress party will not accept any restrictions placed on their dietary choices. Venugopal described this as an attack on the culture of the people of Kerala.
Venugopal further remarked that this marks the beginning of ‘saffronization.’ He alleged that this is how the Sangh Parivar’s agenda will be implemented, amounting to an assault on the culture of the people of Kerala. Venugopal stated that Mathur holds a position where the protection of culture becomes a duty. Meanwhile, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala remarked that dictating what someone should eat is contrary to the Constitution, and that every individual has the freedom to choose their own food.
CPI(M) State Secretary M. V. Govindan noted that India is a country where people possess democratic rights, adding that there is now an attempt to turn food into a communal weapon. On the other hand, it has been stated on behalf of the ‘Lok Bhavan’ (official residence/office) that Mathur is a strict vegetarian; consequently, he has issued an order that no non-vegetarian food should be prepared in the kitchen where his own meals are cooked. Other staff members are free to bring food from home and consume it outside; there is no restriction whatsoever on what they choose to eat.
Report : Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)
