In Kerala, beef is widely consumed, featuring prominently in non-vegetarian hotels and festive occasions. The state has a history of supporting beef consumption and cow slaughter, with no legal restrictions on the transport or slaughter of cattle. Kerala has consistently opposed efforts to ban cow slaughter. Against this backdrop, a controversial incident unfolded at a Canara Bank canteen in Ernakulam.
The bank manager declared that beef would not be served in the canteen, a decision met with fierce opposition from employees. Affiliated with the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), Canara Bank workers organized a "beef festival" at the bank’s regional office in Kochi as a form of protest.Recently transferred to the Kochi regional office, officer Ashwini Kumar had instructed that beef should not be served in the canteen. Outraged by this directive, employees held a beef festival on Thursday at the bank premises as a mark of protest.
The regional manager, who was transferred to the office a few days ago, had advised employees against consuming beef on the premises. Employees argued that they have the right to choose their food in this country, emphasizing that it is a personal choice and they do not force anyone to consume beef. They questioned how an officer could issue such a directive in Kerala.The incident has taken a political turn.
CPI(M)-supported MLA K.T. Jaleel posted on Facebook, stating that the "Sangh Parivar agenda" would not work in Kerala. He asserted that no officer has the right to dictate what others should eat or wear. "Here, people can speak boldly against fascists, and no one will harm you. When communists are by your side, comrades will not allow anyone to hoist saffron flags or disturb the peace," he wrote. Bank officials have yet to respond to the incident.