Demand for non-veg food at Karnataka lit fest sparks a row

MANDYA: Demand for non-veg food has stirred the pot at the three-day All-India Kannada Literary Conference in Mandya starting Dec 20. While organisers have announced a veg-only menu, several groups supporting inclusive and liberal causes are seeking non-veg food items, too, at the jamboree.

Sources said lit fests over decades have not served non-veg food. Kannada Sahitya Parishat, the apex Kannada body which is organising the event, has lobbed the ball into the administration's court. "All decisions on food are taken by a 32-member food committee and district administration. Parishat's role is to invite poets and writers for successful conduct of the event," said Parishat president Mahesh Joshi.

Federation of Progressive Organisations Monday protested outside Mandya DC's office by consuming eggs and raising the slogan: "Let there be meat with lentils, kebabs with papad, egg bhurji with kosambari, & meat with mudde."

They contended the literary event was a matter of pride for the region, but exclusion of non-vegetarian food was concerning. "Such a ban infringes upon people's fundamental right to food," a member said.

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