BJP govt trying to impose vegetarianism in Bengal: O’Brien

Trinamool Congress (TMC) joint secretary Derek O’Brien on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, targeted the BJP over reports that eggs cannot be included in midday meals in West Bengal, claiming that the new government is depriving children of nutrition and trying to “impose vegetarianism” in the State.

Presenting the first budget of the BJP government on Monday (June 22), West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said ISKCON is expected to help in food preparation and distribution under the midday meal scheme.

According to reports, plant-based protein sources will be used instead of eggs in ISKCON’s new menu.

“After the fish-eating tamasha during the election campaign, Gujarat Gymkhana is finally asserting itself. New BJP government is at work in Bengal,” Mr O’Brien said in a post on X.

He claimed that eggs were used as a political tool against rivals and that children were deprived of eggs in school meals.

“Throw eggs at rivals. But deprive children of nutrition by removing eggs from lunch. Imposing vegetarianism. Bengal rejects this,” the TMC leader said.