Vegetarian-only kitchen at Keralam Lok Bhavan? Governor's reported order triggers political backlash
Thiruvananthapuram/IBNS: Keralam Governor Om Prakash Mathur has courted controversy on his first day in office after reportedly directing the Lok Bhavan kitchen to prepare and serve only vegetarian food, media reports said.
Both the ruling Congress and the primary opposition party, the CPI(M), criticised the alleged move, accusing Mathur of seeking to impose the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agenda.
Sworn in as the 29th Governor of Kerala, Mathur reportedly directed that non-vegetarian food should not be cooked or served in the Lok Bhavan kitchen.
I had the distinct honour of attending the solemn swearing-in ceremony of Shri Om Prakash Mathur Ji as the 29th Hon’ble Governor of Keralam at Lok Bhavan today. The oath of office was administered by Hon’ble Justice Soumen Sen. On behalf of the Government and the people of Keralam, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to the Hon’ble Governor. May his tenure be marked by distinguished service, meaningful contributions, and continued progress for our state. @KeralaGovernor #OmPrakashMathur #VDSatheesan
— V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesan) October 23, 2026
Amid the controversy, sources at Lok Bhavan clarified that Mathur had ordered the change because he was a vegetarian.
They added that the decision did not impose any food restrictions on the employees of the Governor's House.
Congress flags personal liberty over food choices
Criticising the reported directive, Congress leader and Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala highlighted the importance of personal liberty in matters of food, clothing and language.
In a post on X, Chennithala wrote, “What we eat, what we wear and what language we speak are matters of personal liberty. It is not for any of us to decide what others should eat. Individual choice must be respected.
“Public institutions should reflect that same respect for personal freedom and Keralam’s plural traditions. What we choose for ourselves should not become a rule for everyone else.”
What we eat, what we wear and what language we speak are matters of personal liberty. It is not for any of us to decide what others should eat. Individual choice must be respected. Public institutions should reflect that same respect for personal freedom and Keralam’s plural traditions. What we choose for ourselves should not become a rule for everyone else.
— Ramesh Chennithala (@chennithala) October 23, 2026
CPI(M) accuses Governor of promoting RSS agenda
Echoing similar concerns, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan underscored the democratic right of individuals to choose what they eat.
“Attempts are being made to take away this right. Behind these efforts is the Sangh Parivar agenda of communal polarisation,” Govindan said, as quoted by NDTV.
The reported directive has triggered a political debate over personal dietary choices, individual freedom and the role of public institutions in respecting Kerala's diverse traditions.
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