Ravenous for reform

SOME of India’s rulers have strong views on food. The home minister, Rajnath Singh, has called for a nationwide ban on slaughtering cows, which as a Hindu he considers holy. At least 20 Indian states and territories (out of 36) ban cow-killing. Since March it has been illegal to possess beef in Maharashtra, and lawmakers in Haryana say those who slaughter cows should be punished as severely as murderers. The education ministry suggests that vegetarian and non-vegetarian students should be segregated in some college canteens; another minister says beef-eaters should move to Pakistan.Since India is roughly 80% Hindu, it is not surprising that Indian politicians pay respect to Hindu beliefs (many of which they passionately share). But if they care about people as well as sacred animals, they should worry about adding to the national menu, as well as cutting it back.