Madhya Pradesh Women and Child Welfare Minister Imarti Devi's idea to include eggs in diet of children at anganwadis has drawn ire of the opposition BJP which has threatened to oppose the move.
BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya today suggested that the move was akin to "interfering with the faith and religious beliefs of the people."
Ms Devi had said the idea to include eggs in the anganwadi menu was under consideration of the Congress-led government considering the high nutritional value of eggs.
Women and Child Development department Principal Secretary Anupam Rajan said no final decision has been taken yet on the issue.
"The idea is still under consideration. Eggs are served to children in anganwadis in several states," Mr Rajan said.
The BJP, meanwhile, said it will oppose the move. "We will oppose any such proposal. I think this is an attempt to interfere with the religious belief and faith of the people," Mr Vijayvargiya said.
BJP MLA and state vice president Rameshwar Sharma said the egg suggestion was against the public sentiments. "Several children and their mothers don't even touch eggs. The Congress government should not force vegetarians to become non-vegetarians," Mr Sharma said, adding that nutritional vegetarian food can be served to children in anganwadis.
Ms Devi could not be contacted for reaction despite repeated attempts.
This is not the first time that the proposal to serve eggs at anganwadis is being considered at the state government level. In 2015, then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had rejected a similar suggestion.
Not Taj Mahal Replica, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Says "We Gift These..." Couple Threatened And Extorted, Woman Molested At Madhya Pradesh Picnic Spot Woman Dies After 'Dupatta' Gets Caught In Machine At Food Centre Of Mahakaleshwar Temple Bengaluru Techie Loses Rs 11.8 Crore After "Digital Arrest" "Daughter Doesn't Know Her Mother's Dead": 'Pushpa 2' Stampede Victim's Husband Kolkata Man Gets Divorce As "Imposition Of Wife's Friend" Is Deemed Cruelty 10 Morning Habits You Should Consider Adding To Your Routine For Better Health Trump Ally Used Illegal Drugs, Paid For Underage Sex, Finds Probe: Report Boxing Day 2024: Know History, Significance And Reason Behind The Name Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.