The intricate interplay of food and politics in India has given rise to a notable phenomenon termed "food politics," serving as a potent instrument for the manifestation of resurgent Hindu nationalism. This assertive form of nationalism holds significant implications for the nation's meat-eating minority communities, including Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and Adivasis.

In certain instances, law enforcement has prioritized action against alleged beef-eaters rather than addressing acts of violence. Additionally, instances of vigilantism have led to the forced closure of meat markets in entire cities during major religious festivals. These occurrences hint at a correlation between the surge in religiosity and an apparent increase in vegetarianism across the country.

Contrary to these observable trends, an analysis by Mint of data from consecutive rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 2005-06 and 2015-16 reveals a decline in vegetarianism over the past decade in all states except for Rajasthan and Punjab.

The ramifications of this clash between food choices and identity construction extend beyond mere dietary preferences, echoing throughout broader societal and political dynamics in contemporary India. This booklet endeavors to present essential insights into the nature of food politics in India, challenging the prevailing notion that the country is uniformly transitioning towards vegetarianism.