The Opposition has accused the West Bengal government of promoting vegetarianism in schools
June 25, 2026: A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the state government announced that ISKCON would be involved in providing mid-day meals in Kolkata schools. Opposition leaders alleged that the move could lead to the removal of eggs from school menus and accused the government of imposing vegetarian food habits on children. The decision was announced by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta during the state Budget presentation, while Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured that students would continue to receive nutritious meals.
The Trinamool Congress strongly criticised the move, arguing that eggs are an important source of nutrition for schoolchildren. TMC leader Derek O’Brien accused the government of depriving children of essential nutrition and imposing dietary preferences. He also referred to earlier election campaign debates over food choices in the state, claiming that Bengal’s cultural and dietary traditions should not be altered through government policy.
Responding to the criticism, School Education Minister Dipak Burman defended the decision, stating that vegetarian diets can provide adequate nutrition and that millions of people across the world lead healthy lives on vegetarian food. Officials said ISKCON already runs mid-day meal programmes in several Indian cities and that preparations would take time before similar services begin in Kolkata. The issue has now triggered a wider discussion on nutrition, food choices, and education policy in the state.