Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Rahul Gandhi’s Non-Vegetarian Remark Sparks BRICS Menu Row
Rahul Gandhi talked about food after an important international dinner in India.
He said that 80% of Indians eat non-vegetarian food.
He also said Indian non-vegetarian dishes are delicious and mentioned his sister’s chole bhature.
The dinner had been held for leaders and guests attending the BRICS Summit.
It was hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and served only vegetarian food.
The menu included paneer, mushrooms, millet, breads and Indian sweets.
Some Congress leaders questioned why non-vegetarian dishes were not included.
A government minister said the dinner showed the variety and flavor of Indian vegetarian food and accused Congress of making politics out of the menu.
Rahul Gandhi said 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian and praised Indian non-vegetarian cuisine.
His comments came one day after an all-vegetarian BRICS Summit gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gandhi shared the statement on X, Facebook and Instagram, along with a picture of chole bhature.
The dinner at Bharat Mandapam featured dishes including paneer lababdar, millet pulao, jalebi and shahtoot phirni.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kiren Rijiju accused Congress of making politics over the food menu, while Pawan Khera defended Gandhi’s position.
- Who
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made the remarks; Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the dinner; Kiren Rijiju and Pawan Khera commented on the resulting political dispute.
- What
- Gandhi said 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian after an all-vegetarian BRICS Summit gala dinner, prompting competing political reactions.
- When
- Gandhi made the remarks on Sunday, one day after the dinner held on Saturday.
- Where
- The dinner was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- Why
- Gandhi’s comments addressed the contrast between the reported prevalence of non-vegetarian food in India and the dinner’s all-vegetarian menu.
Criticism of the Menu
Defense of the Menu
Representation of Indian food
Criticism of the Menu
Rahul Gandhi highlighted that 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian and praised the country’s non-vegetarian cuisine. Pawan Khera said India’s culinary diversity includes notable non-vegetarian dishes and questioned why they were not served.
Defense of the Menu
Kiren Rijiju said the guests enjoyed Indian vegetarian cuisine, which he described as rich in flavor, nutritional variety and regional traditions.
Political interpretation
Criticism of the Menu
Pawan Khera argued that the government was imposing its dietary preferences on Indians and international dignitaries.
Defense of the Menu
Rijiju accused Congress of making politics over the food menu served to BRICS leaders.
- Statement
- Rahul Gandhi said 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian and that Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious.
- Dinner host
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Occasion
- BRICS Summit gala dinner
- Venue
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Menu
- An elaborate all-vegetarian spread featuring regional Indian dishes
- Political response
- Kiren Rijiju accused Congress of politicising the menu, while Pawan Khera criticised the exclusion of non-vegetarian dishes.
- Entertainment
- An ensemble of more than 100 artists performed during the dinner.
