The government of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal has decided to remove eggs from a school lunch program covering all government-run schools, stirring debate about politics and nutrition.

The government, led by Indian PM Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), awarded the contract for the midday meal scheme to the Hindu religious organization International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The organization has announced a menu that excludes eggs.

The Hindu nationalist BJP, which rules nationally, came to power in West Bengal, a state of over 100 million people, for the first time in May. An ISKCON spokesperson argued that while eggs are protein-rich, an equal weight of soy or cottage cheese contains even more protein.

Nutritionists say eggs provide all nine essential amino acids and are easier to standardize than plant-based alternatives like lentils, soy, or cottage cheese, whose quality and quantity can vary. The midday meal program feeds 120 million children nationwide.

Opposition politicians have accused the government of "imposing vegetarianism." Derek O'Brien, a leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), wrote on X: "New BJP govt at work in Bengal. DEPRIVE CHILDREN of nutrition by taking eggs off from midday meals. Imposing vegetarianism." About 70% of Indians consume meat, fish, or eggs, according to official data.

Source: www.aljazeera.com