Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following his recent comments on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) being implemented in Uttarakhand. While the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP voiced support for the move, his controversial remarks about banning non-vegetarian food across the country left netizens enraged.
Speaking to ANI about the UCC’s implementation in Uttarakhand, Sinha stated, “The implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand is, prima facie, commendable. UCC must be there in the country and I am sure everyone will agree with me. But there are many fine prints and loopholes in this… Not just beef, but non-veg food in general, must be banned in the country.” He added that any UCC provisions should be preceded by an all-party meeting to ensure the law works across India’s diverse regions, including North India and the Northeastern states, where food habits vary significantly.
Sinha’s suggestion of a national ban on non-vegetarian food, however, did not sit well with the public. Netizens quickly expressed their outrage, criticizing the politician for conflating food choices with fundamental issues like marriage and property rights, which are at the core of the UCC debate. Many took to social media to voice their dismay, with comments like, “Non-vegetarian food and uniform civil code, what’s he speaking?”, and “UCC is not for food habits… it’s about marriage and property rights.” Others added, “This is the plight of MPs who only spread disinformation,” and “Even God can’t save this country,” mocking Sinha’s apparent lack of understanding about the UCC’s scope.
Sinha’s remarks also attracted criticism for seemingly disregarding the diverse cultural practices across the country, especially in states where non-vegetarianism is an integral part of local diets. The backlash was intensified when social media users recalled the inter-religious marriage of his daughter, Sonakshi Sinha, with actor Zaheer Iqbal, questioning the politician’s stance on personal freedoms.
This incident highlights the growing sensitivity surrounding discussions of national policies like the UCC, which many believe should focus on ensuring equal rights for all citizens, rather than dictating personal lifestyle choices such as dietary preferences. As the controversy continues to brew, Sinha’s comments are likely to remain a talking point on social media for the foreseeable future.