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A political controversy has broken out over the all-vegetarian menu served at the BRICS summit gala dinner hosted in the national capital.

The opposition raised objections regarding the dinner spread, arguing that it does not reflect the dietary diversity of the country where a significant percentage of the population consumes non-vegetarian food.

In response, the ruling party criticised the opposition for ignoring diplomatic achievements, the joint declaration, and India's global influence at the summit while focusing on the food served.

The discussion also highlighted data from the National Family Health Survey of 2023 regarding dietary consumption patterns across the country, alongside arguments surrounding the environmental, economic, and agricultural aspects of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food systems.

Ruling party representatives maintained that the focus should remain on national interest and the diplomatic success of the summit rather than menu choices.