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"Was it a 'Halal' Diwali?" British Hindus Criticise UK PM Keir Starmer Over Serving Meat and Alcohol in Diwali Party, Netizens React

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces backlash from British Hindus after hosting a Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street that included meat and alcohol, sparking outrage over cultural insensitivity during the sacred festival.

Harsh

Image Credit: X (Formerly Twitter)
Image Credit: X (Formerly Twitter)

UK PM Diwali Party: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has found himself at the center of controversy following a recent Diwali celebration held at 10 Downing Street. The event, meant to honor one of Hinduism’s most sacred festivals, included meat and alcohol on the menu—a choice that has upset many British Hindus, who view it as insensitive to the religious customs of their community.

The Controversial Diwali Menu at 10 Downing Street

The Diwali event, intended to honor one of Hinduism's most sacred festivals, featured a range of activities, including traditional diya lighting, a Kuchipudi dance performance, and a speech from Starmer. However, the dinner menu, which reportedly included lamb kebabs, beer, and wine, drew strong criticism. In previous years, similar events organized by former PM Rishi Sunak had adhered to a vegetarian and alcohol-free menu, aligning with the dietary traditions often observed by Hindus during such religious gatherings.

British Hindu Leaders Voice Disappointment

Prominent British Hindu leader Satish K Sharma openly criticised the Prime Minister’s office, expressing his disappointment in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter). Sharma described the event as a "meat-induced, alcohol-laden celebration," which he felt demonstrated a "complete lack of sensitivity." He urged Starmer to issue an apology, suggesting that the menu choices disrespected the Hindu community's beliefs, whether by oversight or design.

Social Media Outrage Over UK PM Diwali Party Celebration

Sharma’s video response quickly went viral, igniting a wave of reactions online. One user asked, “Was it a 'halal' Diwali?” while another remarked, “It’s the PM’s wish, don’t attend if you don’t like.” Some went further, with one comment reading, “Agreed. Let Keir answer publicly to the reasons for such an egregious transgression of the Hindu community's sensibilities during their biggest festival.” Another user added, “No one at Hindu Council UK got invited. Not to sway from the main point of serving meat at a Hindu religious festival, how even more hurtful would it be if the meat sourced was Halal?”

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