Row Erupts Over Absence of Non-Vegetarian Food on Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Train

A political controversy has broken out over the absence of non-vegetarian food on the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Express, with West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) locking horns with the BJP-led Central government ahead of the state Assembly elections.

Calling the issue deeply significant for Bengalis, the TMC took to social media to criticise the decision, accusing the Centre of imposing cultural restrictions. In a sharp post, the party remarked that after allegedly “policing votes,” the government was now attempting to dictate food choices.

The TMC also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to his recent visit to West Bengal for the inauguration of the Bengal–Assam Vande Bharat train. The party alleged that while the Prime Minister highlighted the launch of the new service, the omission of fish and meat from the onboard menu went unmentioned, despite the strong culinary traditions of the region.

Responding to the criticism, Indian Railways clarified that the decision to serve only vegetarian food was taken because the train connects two revered religious sites — the Maa Kali Temple and the Maa Kamakhya Temple. According to the Railways, the menu has been designed to offer hygienic, wholesome, and purely vegetarian meals in keeping with the sanctity associated with the route.

However, the explanation failed to pacify the TMC, which pointed out that the worship of Goddess Kali and other Shakti Peethas, including the Kamakhya Temple, has historically been associated with animal sacrifice — a practice that continues in certain traditions even today.

The party further recalled past controversies, alleging that Prime Minister Modi had previously made remarks mocking Bengalis for their fish-eating habits. Emphasising the cultural importance of non-vegetarian food in eastern India, the TMC expressed strong outrage and cited incidents ranging from bans on fish in certain areas to alleged attacks on street vendors selling non-vegetarian food.

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