At a Canara Bank branch in Kochi, Kerala, employees had to resort to a unique form of protest over a beef ban at the staff canteen: a beef festival.
The protesters from the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) had initially gathered to speak out against the alleged mental harassment they were being subjected to by the new bank manager, who is a Bihar native. They said that the Bihar native allegedly insulted the officials.
However, after the federation learned of the new beef ban at the canteen, they decided to focus on and highlight this specific issue.
Employees at the bank reported that the new regional manager had banned beef, which was served on some days of the week at the canteen. Federation leader SS Anil said in a Facebook post, “A small canteen operates here, and beef is served on select days. The manager informed the canteen staff that beef should no longer be served.”
"This bank runs under the Constitution. Food is a personal choice, and in India, everyone has the freedom to eat what they want. We are not forcing anyone to eat beef, but it is our right to oppose the ban,” he added
The protesters gathered at the premises of the branch and served beef and parotta, a staple in Kerala.
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The protest garnered support from various politicians in the state. Left-backed independent MLA KT Jaleel praised them, saying, "No Sangh Parivar agendas would be allowed in Kerala."
Kerala has protested beef bans before, notably in 2017 when the Centre issued a directive to restrict cattle slaughter. Similar beef festivals were held in defiance.