A controversy has been triggered by a statement from Sharad Pawar faction MP Supriya Sule regarding her dietary habits, specifically her consumption of non-vegetarian food. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded, declining to comment and suggesting that the Varkari devotees would address the matter. The Varkari community is known for their devotion to Lord Pandurang and their vegetarian lifestyle.
Supriya Sule remarked, “My Pandurang accepts my non-vegetarian meals.” She explained that she avoids negativity, as she is a follower of Ramkrishna Hari and Pandurang. She doesn’t wear a Tulsi mala because of her occasional non-vegetarian diet, stating she doesn’t lie. She added that if her consumption of non-vegetarian food is acceptable to her deity, then there is no issue. She emphasized that her parents and in-laws also consume non-vegetarian food, funded by their own money, and that they are open about it. She recounted how a single instance of eating non-vegetarian food became a topic of intense discussion, questioning if it was a sin. She said she eats non-vegetarian food openly, which is why she doesn’t wear a Tulsi mala.
BJP leader Nitesh Rane also weighed in, criticizing Sule’s remarks and questioning why she only comments on Hinduism. He challenged her to make similar statements about other religions. He stated that repeatedly targeting Hinduism and Hindu deities is not appropriate.