Kerala: Canara Bank regional manager bans beef in canteen; employees hold beef-parotta party outside branch

The Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) initiated the protest against manager's mental harassment and insulting behaviour towards officials and later redirected the protest highlighting the beef ban in the office canteen.

A Canara Bank regional manager in Kochi, who recently took charge, found himself in the centre of controversy after he ordered a ban on beef in one branch's office canteen.

Miffed with the forceful restriction, employees launched a protest in the form of a "beef festival" outside the office.

The Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) was initially protesting against what they perceive is the manager's mental harassment and insulting behaviour towards officials. Later, the federation learned about the beef ban in the office canteen and then redirected the protest to address the issue.

The demonstrators organised a “beef feast,” serving beef and parotta (a type of flatbread) outside the office.

“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 functions according to the guidelines of the Constitution. Food is a personal choice. In India, every individual has the right to choose their food. We are not forcing anyone to eat beef. This is simply our form of protest,” federation leader S S Anil said, as per India Today.

Some Kerala politicians also backed the protest. Kerala has seen similar beef protests in the past against the central government’s 2017 directive on cattle sales for slaughter.

Left-backed independent MLA KT Jaleel backed the demonstration, asserting that "no Sangh Parivar agendas would be allowed in Kerala".

“What to wear, what to eat, and what to think should not be decided by superiors. This soil is red. The heart of this land is red. Wherever the red flag flies, you can speak out and act against fascists without fear. No one will harm you. When communists are united, the comrades will not allow anyone to raise the saffron flag and undermine the well-being of the people. That is the world. That is the history of the world!” he wrote on Facebook.