ISKCON Removes Kolkata VP Radharaman Das Days After Egg Controversy In Bengal

In a sudden move following a political storm over school midday meals, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has removed its Kolkata vice-president and prominent spokesperson, Radharaman Das, from all organisational responsibilities. The disciplinary action comes just days after Das publicly led the defence of a new pilot project in West Bengal, which sparked widespread debate for removing eggs from midday meals in favour of a strictly vegetarian menu.

While ISKCON officially maintains that the action was taken due to repeated violations of organisational procedures rather than his specific views, Das had been the most visible public face navigating the intense political and religious fallout over the state's school dietary guidelines.

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What Did ISKCON Say?

Sharing a statement, the Hindu organisation said on Sunday that Das has been sent on a "compulsory leave of absence" and directed him to not speak or act on behalf of the organisation.

The organisation said that, as a global body operating in more than 100 countries, ISKCON follows established rules, standards and ethical guidelines for its members. It said corrective measures had been initiated after "multiple requests" made to Das over several years.

The ISCKON authorities claimed that Das failed to follow organisational procedures, acted unilaterally in contravention of the organisation's official stand, and interfered in matters beyond his jurisdiction. It further alleged that certain actions taken by him had put "the safety and wellbeing of members at risk in different parts of the world".

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ISKCON said it had encouraged Das to "reflect and correct his course of action" during the period of his compulsory leave.

What Did Das Say?

Shortly after ISKCON's statement, Das said that he had been relieved of all his responsibilities and instructed not to represent the organisation before the media, government authorities or any public forum.

"I respect the decisions taken by the authorities and will abide by the directions issued to me," he said, adding that he would no longer interact with the media or make public statements on the issues concerned.

Das listed six reasons that he said had been cited for the action against him. According to him, these included speaking publicly and giving media interviews on the alleged persecution of Hindus and devotees in Bangladesh, extending support to Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, issuing a legal notice to former Union minister Maneka Gandhi over her allegation that ISKCON sells cows to butchers, and filing a cyber complaint against comedian Surleen Kaur over allegedly derogatory remarks against ISKCON.

Das, however, did not claim that ISKCON had objected to the substance of his views. Instead, he reproduced the reasons that he said had been communicated to him by the organisation.

The Egg Controversy

This comes days after ISCKON was announced to assist in the preparation and distribution of midday meals in schools under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. According to Das, his statements regarding the issue have raised concerns with the authorities.

The ISKCON VP claimed that several people are sharing the newly proposed menu for the midday meal in Kolkata schools. He clarified that no such menu has been finalised. Once the menu is finalised, we will make an official announcement. "Kindly refrain from sharing this incorrect information," Das said.

The ISKCON VP claimed that several people are sharing the newly proposed menu for the midday meal in Kolkata schools. He clarified that no such menu has been finalised. Once the menu is finalised, we will make an official announcement.

"I remain grateful for the affection and support extended to me over the years and pray for the continued growth and success of ISKCON," Das said.