Om Prakash Mathur, who was recently sworn in as the 29th Governor of Kerala, has found himself at the centre of a burgeoning political controversy just a day after assuming office. Following reports that he had directed the Lok Bhavan kitchen to serve exclusively vegetarian food, the move drew sharp criticism from the ruling Congress party and the CPI(M), with leaders from both sides accusing the governor of attempting to advance a "saffron agenda" in the state.
The controversy emerged on Friday, shortly after Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, Soumen Sen, administered the oath of office to Mr. Mathur at the Lok Bhavan. Reports concerning the dietary changes in the gubernatorial residence quickly gained traction, prompting immediate pushback from political figures who argued that such directives infringe upon personal liberties and regional culinary traditions.
Sources within the governor's office have sought to provide context to the order, stating that Mr. Mathur is a strict vegetarian and that the directive was issued based on his personal dietary preferences. These sources clarified that the instruction specifically applied to the kitchen where his own meals are prepared. They further emphasised that no such restrictions have been imposed on the staff working at the Lok Bhavan, noting that employees are free to bring their own meals or eat outside the premises.
Despite these clarifications, the move has triggered a strong reaction. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal condemned the directive, arguing that it represents an overreach of constitutional authority. Mr. Venugopal highlighted Kerala’s coastal nature and its diverse culinary heritage, asserting that any attempt to dictate dietary habits is an intrusion into the fundamental rights of the people. He alleged that the governor was using his constitutional position to impose personal preferences, characterising the development as a step toward implementing the Sangh Parivar’s agenda within the state.
Joining the chorus of opposition, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala echoed the sentiment that food choices should remain a matter of individual freedom. Speaking to the media, Mr. Chennithala maintained that decisions regarding one's diet, language, or clothing are private matters, stating, "Let us eat what we want to eat."
The CPI(M) has similarly weighed in on the row. State secretary MV Govindan addressed the matter during a press conference, claiming that the reported directive is part of a broader attempt at communal polarisation. Mr. Govindan alleged that there is an effort to turn food into a communal weapon, insisting that citizens have a democratic right to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets regardless of official preferences.
Historical context provided by sources at the Lok Bhavan indicates that the kitchen had previously prepared non-vegetarian dishes, including meat and fish, during the tenures of former governors. Mr. Mathur succeeds Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who has been transitioned to the role of Governor of Tamil Nadu. As the situation unfolds, the incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding cultural and personal practices in the political discourse of the state, with the opposition calling on the governor to reconsider any directives that might restrict the food choices of those around him.
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