West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken to social media to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP‑led Centre of “policing people’s plates” after the newly launched Vande Bharat sleeper train between Kolkata and Kamakhya offered only vegetarian food. The party’s post on X, titled “First they policed our votes. Now they’re policing our plates,” frames the menu decision as a cultural imposition on a region where fish and meat are staple foods.
Background/Context
The Vande Bharat sleeper, India’s first fully air‑conditioned overnight train, began commercial operations on 22 January 2026 after a flag‑off ceremony by PM Modi in Malda, West Bengal. Designed to connect eastern India with the Northeast, the 16‑coach train offers AC 3‑tier, AC 2‑tier and First AC accommodations, carrying 823 passengers over a 14‑hour journey between Howrah and Kamakhya. The Ministry of Railways reported that all tickets sold out within 24 hours of booking, underscoring the high demand for faster, safer travel.
However, the train’s catering policy has sparked controversy. While the Vande Bharat trains in other corridors serve a mix of vegetarian and non‑vegetarian dishes, the Kolkata‑Kamakhya service reportedly offers only vegetarian meals. In a region where fish is a dietary mainstay—especially in West Bengal’s coastal districts and Assam’s riverine communities—this decision has been perceived as an attempt to impose a uniform dietary norm.
Key Developments
In a tweet that quickly went viral, TMC spokesperson Abhishek Banerjee wrote: “Just days ago, PM Modi was busy boasting about giving Bengal a new Vande Bharat sleeper train. What he didn’t mention however is that on the Vande Bharat train running from Bengal to Assam, fish and meat have been taken off the menu.” The party’s post also cited alleged remarks by the Prime Minister labeling fish‑eating Bengalis as “Mughals,” restrictions on fish sales in parts of Delhi, and an incident where a street vendor was assaulted for selling chicken patties.
Railway officials have defended the menu choice as a “regional preference” and a “cultural sensitivity” measure. “The catering team has consulted with local food experts and has decided to offer a vegetarian menu that aligns with the dietary habits of the majority of passengers on this route,” said a spokesperson from the Eastern Railway zone. “We are open to feedback and will review the menu in the coming months.”
Meanwhile, the TMC’s social media campaign has drawn support from several opposition parties and civil society groups. A coalition of student unions from West Bengal’s universities has launched a petition demanding the inclusion of fish and meat options on the Vande Bharat sleeper. The petition, which has garnered over 50,000 signatures in 48 hours, calls for a “culturally inclusive” menu that respects regional culinary traditions.
Impact Analysis
For passengers, the vegetarian-only menu may seem a minor inconvenience, but for many it touches on identity and livelihood. In West Bengal, fish is not just a food item but a cultural symbol, especially in the Sundarbans and the Hooghly delta. “When the train offers only vegetarian meals, it feels like a subtle erasure of our culinary heritage,” said Rina Das, a resident of Bongaon and a frequent traveler on the Kolkata‑Kamakhya route. “It’s not just about taste; it’s about belonging.”
From a political perspective, the TMC’s criticism is part of a broader narrative of cultural imposition by the Centre. The party’s narrative frames the menu decision as a continuation of a “Banchte Chai, BJP Tai” model that seeks to homogenise diverse identities. Analysts suggest that the TMC is leveraging the issue to galvanise its voter base ahead of the upcoming West Bengal state elections scheduled for 2026.
Economically, the exclusion of fish and meat could affect local vendors and fishermen who rely on train catering contracts. “We have been supplying fish to the railway for years. This sudden change could hurt our livelihoods,” warned Arjun Kumar, a fisherman from the Barak Valley. The Ministry of Railways has yet to release data on the number of vendors impacted by the menu policy.
Expert Insights/Tips
Political analyst Dr. Meera Nair of the Indian Institute of Public Policy notes, “The TMC’s framing of the Vande Bharat sleeper veg‑only menu is a classic example of identity politics. By linking food choices to cultural identity, the party is creating a rallying point that transcends traditional electoral issues.” She advises voters to scrutinise the underlying motives: “Is this a genuine attempt to cater to regional preferences, or a political tool to mobilise a specific demographic?”
For travelers, experts recommend bringing a small snack or meal if you have dietary restrictions. “While the train’s catering is generally reliable, it’s wise to carry a light snack, especially if you have specific nutritional needs,” says nutritionist Priyanka Sharma. She also suggests checking the latest catering menu on the Indian Railways website before booking.
Policy makers can take cues from the incident to review catering guidelines. “A flexible catering policy that allows regional variations can prevent such controversies,” suggests food policy consultant Anil Gupta. He recommends a pilot program where trains on culturally diverse routes offer a mix of vegetarian and non‑vegetarian options, with periodic surveys to gauge passenger satisfaction.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, the Ministry of Railways is expected to announce a review of the Vande Bharat sleeper’s catering policy. A spokesperson hinted at a “consultative process” involving local food experts, passenger associations, and vendor representatives. If the review leads to the inclusion of fish and meat options, it could set a precedent for other Vande Bharat routes.
Politically, the TMC’s campaign may intensify as the 2026 West Bengal elections approach. The party’s leadership has already hinted at a broader “cultural autonomy” manifesto that will address issues ranging from language to cuisine. Whether the party can translate the Vande Bharat menu controversy into electoral gains remains to be seen.
For the railway sector, the incident underscores the importance of culturally sensitive service design. As India expands its high‑speed rail network, catering policies will need to balance national standards with regional diversity. The Vande Bharat sleeper veg‑only menu debate could become a case study in how public transport services navigate cultural pluralism.
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