New Delhi: A tweet by Kerala Tourism, popularising the famous “beef fry” dish has kicked up a storm, with rightwing social media participants going as far as alleging that the government had declared a war on Hindus in the state.
The CPI(M)-led LDF government on Friday said its aim was not to hurt anyone’s religious beliefs.
Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran criticised those who were trying to give a communal colour to the tourism department tweet on the Kerala delicacy beef ularthiyathu and said in the southern state none links food with religion.
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“Tender chunks of beef, slow-roasted with aromatic spices, coconut pieces, and curry leaves. A recipe for the most classic dish, Beef Ularthiyathu, the stuff of legends, from the land of spices, Kerala,” the tweet read along with a recipe link.
Tender chunks of beef, slow-roasted with aromatic spices, coconut pieces, and curry leaves. A recipe for the most classic dish, Beef Ularthiyathu, the stuff of legends, from the land of spices, Kerala: https://t.co/d7dbgWmlBw pic.twitter.com/aI1Y9vEXJm
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) January 15, 2020
Rightwing Twitter users pounced upon the tweet, some even pointing out that it had appeared on January 15, on Makarsankranti day.
Several rightwing participants, including MP Shobha Karandlaje have been up in arms against the tweet on the beef dish. Some have even threatened not to visit the state, ever.
Kerala Tourism officially declares it’s not a destination for Hindus. https://t.co/fVY7JTCaaU
— Rishi Bagree 🇮🇳 (@rishibagree) January 16, 2020
Kerala communist govt have declared a war against Hindus of the state!
Kerala Govt is taking a ride on Hindu sentiments by glorifying Beef on #MakarSankranti day.
Sick mindset of Commies of Kerala is out for display.
Communism is a disease, shame on u @KeralaTourism! https://t.co/GScZsI8RZ0
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) January 16, 2020
Tourism minister Surendran said those trying to communalise the matter were the ones who were creating a controversy by saying that pictures of pork dishes should also be uploaded by the department.
Various dishes made of pork are already on the website, he pointed out.
(With PTI inputs)
