Agartala: A debate over food habits and Hindu religious practices has taken a political turn in Tripura ahead of the upcoming Village Committee (VC) elections.
Tripura Pradesh BJP vice-president Amit Rakshit has opposed the idea that vegetarian food should determine a person’s Hindu identity. He also defended traditional Bengali Hindu food practices, including the cultural importance of fish.
The remarks came amid a wider discussion over comments attributed to spiritual preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri regarding non-vegetarian food during religious observances.
Rakshit Opposes a Single Food Rule
Rakshit argued that Hindu traditions cannot be reduced to one uniform set of food habits.
He said different communities follow different customs across India. According to him, those traditions deserve respect rather than criticism.
His comments also reflect the long-standing food culture of Bengali Hindu families. Fish has remained an important part of Bengali cuisine for generations.
Rakshit stressed that personal food choices should not become a measure of religious identity.
Defence of Bengali Hindu Traditions
The BJP leader specifically highlighted the Shakta traditions followed by many Bengali Hindus.
These traditions have their own rituals, festivals and food practices. In many Bengali households, fish also holds cultural significance beyond being a regular food item.
Rakshit maintained that such traditions should not be treated as less Hindu because they differ from vegetarian practices followed elsewhere.
He also said people who prefer vegetarian food have every right to follow their choice.
At the same time, he argued that the same respect should be extended to communities with different traditional diets.
“Hindutva Is Not a Food Menu”
Rakshit made his position clear while responding to the growing debate.
He argued that Hinduism is a diverse tradition with different regional and sectarian practices.
According to him, food habits alone cannot define whether someone is a Hindu.
His comments have added a different voice to a debate that has gained attention on social media and in political circles.
Debate Gains Political Attention in Tripura
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time in Tripura.
The state is preparing for the Village Committee elections, where parties are campaigning across rural and tribal areas.
Both Bengali Hindu voters and indigenous communities form important sections of Tripura’s electorate. As a result, discussions around culture, identity and religious practices can quickly acquire a political dimension.
Rakshit’s remarks may therefore attract attention beyond the immediate food debate.
Diversity Remains Central to the Discussion
Hindu traditions have developed differently across regions and communities over centuries.
Food practices are also shaped by geography, local culture and family traditions. Bengal provides one such example, with fish playing a major role in its culinary heritage.
The latest controversy has once again raised questions about how religious identity should be understood in a culturally diverse society.
For Rakshit, the answer is clear: religious identity should not be decided by what appears on a person’s plate.
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