Kerala Governor Om Prakash Mathur has sparked a political controversy after reportedly directing that only vegetarian food be prepared in the kitchen at Lok Bhavan, the Governor official residence. The reported decision came around the time he took charge as Kerala 29th Governor on October 23, 2026. The move drew criticism from Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M).
Congress leader K C Venugopal accused the Governor of trying to promote the Sangh Parivar political agenda. He argued that people should have the freedom to choose what they eat and said personal food preferences should not be imposed on others. Venugopal also pointed out that Kerala has a diverse food culture, with fish and other non-vegetarian dishes forming an important part of many people diets. He called on the Governor to withdraw any decision that could restrict food choices. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also criticised the reported order, saying that food habits are a matter of personal freedom. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan shared similar concerns, arguing that people should be free to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
However, sources at Lok Bhavan clarified that the instruction applied only to the kitchen preparing meals for the Governor and a few members of his personal staff. They said other employees were free to bring their own food or eat elsewhere, and their food choices were not restricted. The controversy has started a wider debate about personal food preferences, individual freedom and the role of constitutional authorities in Kerala.
