'Passengers should be free to choose': TMC, BJP in war of words over veg-only Vande sleeper menu
Times of India | 25 January 2026
KOLKATA: A war of words has broken out between Trinamool and BJP over the unavailability of non-vegetarian food on the country's first ever Vande Bharat sleeper train which began its first commercial run from Howrah to Kamakhya on Friday.
Accusing BJP of imposing vegetarianism, TMC termed the move an assault on Bengali culture and food habits. BJP dismissed the charge as 'unnecessary politics' over a railway decision, countering that TMC itself had dropped non-veg items from the state's mid-day meal scheme.
According to the menu, non-vegetarian items, including fish and meat, are not available for passengers on the train. A section of travellers also alleged that the 'no-food' option, available on other Vande Bharat services, was not offered on this route.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said Bengal's culinary traditions were being undermined. "A Bengali thrives on fish and rice. Both veg and non-veg options should be available, and passengers should be free to choose. Bring back non-veg now," he said.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said food preferences were a personal choice. "If passengers want non-veg food, they should raise the issue with Indian Railways. How is BJP involved here?" he said.