Did not eat meat before temple visit, clarifies Siddaramaiah amid controversy

Bengaluru, Aug 23: Under attack from the BJP for allegedly going to a temple, after eating non-vegetarian food, and thereby hurting religious sentiments, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday clarified that he did not eat meat that day.

Also terming it a "non issue", the former CM tried to assert the right to choice of food.

Siddaramaiah entering Basaveshwara temple in Kodlipet, during his recent visit to Kodagu on August 18, after allegedly having non-vegetarian food, has triggered a controversy.

"Is eating meat an issue? (What one eats) is a personal food habit. I eat both meat and vegetarian food, it is my habit. Some don't eat meat, it's their food habit," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.

Speaking to reporters, he said the BJP "doesn't have any other work", and hence are trying to create controversies to divert public attention from "main issues".

"According to me it is not at all an issue. Many go without eating meat and many go after eating. At many places meat is offered to deities. To tell you the truth I had not eaten meat that day. I said what I have subsequently, for the sake of argument. Though there was chicken curry, I ate only bamboo shoot curry and 'akki rotti'," he added.

Siddaramaiah, the leader of opposition in the state assembly, on Sunday in his defence had said, he is a non-vegetarian and it's his food habit, and questioned as to whether the God has said what to eat and what not to before visiting temple.

The Congress Legislature Party leader's alleged act of visiting temple after eating non-veg food and his subsequent remarks had drawn sharp reactions from ruling BJP leaders, with one senior MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal even challenging: "If you- Siddaramaiah- have guts, eat pork and visit a mosque."

Reacting to this challenge and attacks, Siddaramaiah said,"I only eat chicken and mutton, no other meat (pork or beef). But I'm not opposed to those who eat it, as it is their food habit."

Responding to state BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel's statement accusing him of "staging a drama" of visiting temples and maths, with elections approaching, Siddaramaiah said, he visits temples, and believes in oneness of God and all Gods are one.

"I go to temples, but I have not made it alone my profession. I go to temples in my village...why should I go searching for God in Kashmir or some other place? I have many times been to Tirupati, Mahadeshwara hills, Chamundi hills, Nanjanagu temple. I go everywhere," he said.

Meanwhile, the BJP legislator from Bijapur city (Vijayapura) Basanagouda Patil (Yatnal) on Tuesday challenged Siddaramaiah to consume pork and then enter a mosque. "If you, Siddaramaiah, have the guts, eat pork and visit a mosque." Yatnal said.

BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu Prathap Simha posed the same question to Siddaramaiah.

"Do you eat pork and go to the mosque? MP @mepratap asked. I have never eaten pork in my life, I don't want to eat pork. As far as I know there is no such restriction in the mosque. If necessary, let Prathap Simha eat pork and go," Siddaramaiah responded via tweet.

Siddaramaiah also said that he eats only chicken and mutton and no other meat but added that he is not opposed to anyone eating other meats as it was their personal choice and food habit.