New Delhi, Sep 13: A day after an all-vegetarian spread was served at a gala dinner hosted for BRICS leaders and delegates, the Congress and BJP on Sunday sparred over the menu, with the Opposition accusing the ruling party of imposing its dietary preferences on international dignitaries. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pointed out that a large majority of Indians eat non-vegetarian food, while Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that the BJP had taken its dietary preferences beyond domestic politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the dinner for leaders and delegates attending the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday. In social media posts, Gandhi wrote, “For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian.

Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious. As are my sister's chole bhature.”

He accompanied the post with a picture of chole bhature on a dining table, but did not directly refer to the BRICS dinner. “The BJP's habit of imposing its dietary preferences on fellow Indians is already deeply problematic.

Now, they have taken it a step further by imposing their own choices on dignitaries from across the world,” Khera said in a social media post. The BJP hit back, accusing the Congress of politicising the food served to visiting leaders.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said he could not understand why the Congress was making an issue of the menu, and said the guests had enjoyed Indian vegetarian cuisine. “I can't believe that Congress party is making politics even on the food menu served to the leaders of BRICS nations.

Our guests relished Indian vegetarian cuisine which are rich in flavor and nutritional variety with diverse regional traditions,” Rijiju posted on social media. I can't believe that Congress party is making politics even on the food menu served to the leaders of BRICS nations.

Our guests relished Indian vegetarian cuisine which are rich in flavor and nutritional variety with diverse regional traditions. co/oq1MJwXX9l— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 13, 2026 The exchange followed an elaborate vegetarian dinner hosted by Modi on Saturday evening.

The starters included khandvi mille, described as a feuille steamed gram-flour roll, and khumb galouti, pan-grilled mushroom kebabs served with mint pearls. The main course featured paneer lababdar, gucchi marmik, Himalayan morel mushrooms with tender asparagus, and carrot bean poriyal.