NDTV

Bhopal, Jun 9: Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Minister Moti Kashyap is facing an angry backlash from the state's Jain community for having claimed that prawns are vegetarian food.

In his eagerness to promote prawn culture in Madhya Pradesh, Kashyap has put forth arguments that haven't gone down too well with some.

"Like eggs, the protein content in prawns is very high. Both are covered in shells. Scientists consider eggs vegetarian. Therefore, I have labelled prawns as vegetarian too," he said.

Other similarities suggested by Kashyap are that eggs and prawns both solidify after being boiled, and like poultry eggs do not hatch, prawns too do not reproduce in fresh water.

"The minister's remarks should be condemned in the strongest words," said Poorna Sagar Maharaj, Jain saint.

Political fallout

The opposition Congress leaders, meanwhile, are now having a field day.

"No living being can be vegetarian food, whether or not it has bones and blood. Moti Kashyap has lost his mental balance," said Congress Spokesperson Manak Agrawal.

Even Kashyap's own party, the BJP, can't seem to find reason in his logic.

"It's not as if the Minister is the most knowledgeable person in the world," said BJP leader Sunderlal Patwa.

Kashyap is now clearly on the backfoot, and says he is ready to apologise to the communities whose feelings he has hurt.