Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Ignites Political Storm Over Non-Vegetarian Food Absence
Kolkata has become the epicenter of a heated political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, sparked by the unavailability of non-vegetarian food items on India's pioneering Vande Bharat sleeper train. This landmark train, which commenced its inaugural commercial journey from Howrah to Kamakhya on Friday, has unexpectedly become a battleground over culinary preferences and cultural identity.
Trinamool's Cultural Assault Allegation
The Trinamool Congress has launched a fierce offensive against the BJP, accusing the party of imposing vegetarianism through railway policies. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh articulated the party's position with passionate intensity, stating that Bengal's rich culinary heritage was being systematically undermined. "A Bengali thrives on fish and rice," Ghosh emphasized. "Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options should be readily available, allowing passengers the freedom to choose according to their preferences. These travelers are paying the complete fare, so why should their food choices be arbitrarily restricted? We demand the immediate restoration of non-vegetarian items."
The party further amplified its stance on social media platform X, highlighting that the Vande Bharat sleeper train connects Bengal and Assam—two regions where non-vegetarian cuisine forms an integral part of daily dietary habits and cultural traditions.
BJP's Counterattack and Railway Defense
The Bharatiya Janata Party has categorically dismissed the allegations as "unnecessary politics" surrounding a routine railway operational decision. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya countered that food preferences represent personal choices with no connection to political parties. "If passengers desire non-vegetarian food, they should appropriately raise this matter with Indian Railways authorities. How exactly is the BJP implicated in this situation?" he questioned pointedly.
In a strategic rebuttal, Bhattacharya reminded the public that the Trinamool Congress itself had previously eliminated protein-rich eggs from West Bengal's mid-day meal scheme for schoolchildren, suggesting political hypocrisy in their current outrage.
Passenger Concerns and Menu Limitations
According to the officially published menu for this historic train service, non-vegetarian items including fish and meat are conspicuously absent from available options. This omission has generated discontent among a segment of travelers who expected greater variety. Additionally, passengers have noted that the "no-food" option—a feature available on other Vande Bharat express services—has not been extended to this particular route, further limiting dining choices.
The controversy has escalated beyond mere menu complaints to touch upon deeper issues of regional identity, cultural preservation, and political one-upmanship. As India celebrates technological advancements in rail infrastructure with the introduction of sleeper Vande Bharat trains, this unexpected culinary conflict reveals how food remains a potent symbol in the nation's political and cultural landscape.
The debate continues to intensify as both political parties mobilize their arguments, with Trinamool framing the issue as cultural preservation and BJP characterizing it as manufactured controversy. Railway authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding potential menu revisions or the rationale behind current food service limitations on this prestigious new train service connecting eastern India's cultural heartlands.
