- By Kamal Kumar
- Sun, 10 Nov 2024 11:24 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
UK PM Diwali Party Row: Alcohol and non-vegetarian food items were served at this year's Diwali party of UK PM Keir Starmer at his official residence 10, Downing Street, sparking outrage among the British Hindu community. The celebration at PM's residence, which saw the participation of community leaders and politicians, included several events such as lighting diyas, a Kuchipudi dance performance and a speech by Starmer.
However, some British Hindus were shocked to see lambs, Kebab and alcohol being served on the occasion of the auspicious festival. The inclusion of non-vegetarian items on the menu, considered religiously improper by Hindus during the festivals, triggered outrage among the community members.
According to media reports, Meet and liquor was not served at the last party hosted by former PM Rishi Sunak.
Prominent British Hindus have lambasted the insensitive attitude of the Starmer administration towards the minority community. Satish K Sharma, a well-known community leader described the step as "complete lack of sensitivity and simple consultation".
"For the last 14 years or so, the Diwali celebration at 10, Downing Street has been without meat and alcohol. I am disappointed and quite shocked that this year's celebration seemed to be an inebriated meat-induced stupor-dominated event. It's a tragedy that the prime minister's advisers would have been so careless and negligent," he said in a video statement posted on X.
If it was accidental, it is still disappointing, he further said, adding that if the inclusion of meat and alcohol was deliberate, PM has sent a clear message to the British Hindu community.
Insight UK, a social collective by the British-Hindu community, said that the sacred celebration was marred by meat and alcohol. It also offered the Starmer administration its consultation on religious sentiments, an NDTV report stated.
10, Downing Street is yet to respond to the allegations.
