Former Icelandic President Recalls Serving Vegetarian Meal to APJ Abdul Kalam Amid BRICS Menu Controversy
_913279690.jpg)
As a political firestorm erupts over the all-vegetarian gala menu served to global dignitaries at the recent BRICS summit, former Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson has stepped into the debate by sharing a historical precedent. Weighing in on the controversy, Grimsson recalled the state visit of former Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to Iceland in 2005, noting that he had personally hosted Kalam with an entirely vegetarian menu more than two decades ago in a country where plant-based dining was far from conventional. His remarks come in the wake of sharp criticism from opposition leaders over the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's decision to feature traditional vegetarian dishes—such as Khandvi, Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik, Millet Pulao, and Jalebi—at the Bharat Mandapam banquet.
Political Battle Lines Drawn: Congress Alleges Imposition of Dietary Preferences While BJP Defends Indian Cuisine
The ceremonial menu quickly transformed into a major flashpoint as opposition figures launched direct attacks against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi took to social media to criticize the government's approach, pointing out that a vast majority of Indians consume non-vegetarian food and questioning whether the administration sought to conceal India's culinary diversity. Adding to the critique, Congress media department head Pawan Khera accused the ruling dispensation of extending its domestic dietary policing onto international state guests. In sharp counter-defense, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the opposition for politicizing a diplomatic dinner, asserting that international leaders thoroughly relished the rich, nutritious, and diverse heritage of authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine.
_1446148388_351x234.jpg)
_229735663_351x234.jpg)
_1808329790_351x234.jpg)
_913279690_351x234.jpg)
