The decision of King George’s Medical University (KGMU), a premier public medical university in Lucknow, to ban preparation of non-vegetarian food items at all its hostels led to sharp criticism from the Opposition parties, which, on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) called the move not only an attempt to control food habit but a larger plan of Hindutva ruling forces to control choices of students and society at large.
“In line with verbal directions from the Vice-Chancellor, please make sure that in all hostels’ mess and canteen, no non-vegetarian food should be cooked or served. To fulfil protein requirements, vegetarian protein-rich sources should be appropriately used,” reads the July 14 notice by the KGMU.
The move follows a recent visit to the campus by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, who also serves as the Chancellor of State universities.
Senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Anil Yadav said: “Such a decision to prohibit non-vegetarian food is not only an attempt to control food habits but is part of a larger plan of Hindutva forces to control and impose choices on students and society at large.
These actions are part of the RSS regime’s endeavour to mould public discourse around its narrow vision, controlling all aspects of society from food control regulation, inspection, distribution and consumption. A large section of people prefer non-vegetarian food in India; the ruling dispensation is taking lessons from ideas of Manusmriti to impose restrictions on marginalised populations.” Mr. Yadav said the Uttar Pradesh Governor occupying high constitutional office was repeatedly pushing a particular narrative suitable to the ruling dispensation around women, food, customs and traditions.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) said in any university administration students must have the freedom to eat as per their personal preferences and any imposition was incorrect. “On one hand, the government is not able to provide basic health facilities to a large section of population, contrary to managing loopholes in medical infrastructure, they impose food choices, it is incorrect and highlights a narrow mindset,” said SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei.
Published – July 15, 2026 08:42 pm IST
