Karnataka CM Remark on Vegetarianism Draws Attention

During an informal breakfast gathering hosted by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also attended with his fellow Congress party leaders, he made a light-hearted comment that is now causing waves throughout social media and likely will have a long-lasting impact on the political landscape of India.

During their time together, Siddaramaiah asked the reporter (a member of the media) if she ate only fruits and vegetables (a vegan). When Siddaramaiah asked the reporter if she was “pure” vegan, it led into a discussion on whether or not she ate eggs. His response when learning that she did not eat eggs was to say, “You are missing something in your life.”

Breakfast Meeting Aimed at Showcasing Unity

Siddaramaiah’s comment about missing something in life caused many people to comment on the nature of choice and decision making regarding the consumption of food in India. There has been considerable discussion recently regarding different people’s food choices and eating habits.

The CM’s comments are representative of an old tradition of the two parties under command of the same CM and DCM. While Shivakumar ordered a plethora of vegetarian options for himself, in stark contrast, Siddaramaiah ordered Naati Koli (Country Chicken) prepared in an authentic Mysuru manner by Shivakumar’s mother, Usha. Even with such differing choices, both CM and DCM, representing the 2 political factions in Karnataka (i.e., the ruling party and the opposition), were united in using the common term “Brother” to describe the relationship between the two political factions, and thus reinforced the notion of brotherhood between political parties in Karnataka.

Public Response and Political Context

The CM’s remarks on this “breakfast bonding” (many found humour in it) created widespread media coverage. Many people viewed the comment as humorous; others argued that public figures need to exercise caution when making public statements concerning private lifestyle choices.

This incident is happening during a critical time in the political arena in Karnataka, demonstrating the attention drawn to the statement and it’s trending news today.

This particular incident exemplifies one of the many facets of conversation in relation to dietary preference, personal preference, cultural identity and customs in India, representing the larger discussion that has arisen from a friendly get together between the CM and DCM as a catalyst for further discussion.