ISKCON removes spokesperson Radharamn Das after he defended veg meals, spoke on Bangladesh persecution

Radharamn Das, the vice-president and spokesperson of ISKCON Kolkata, was removed from his position and directed not to represent the organisation publicly, according to a statement issued on Sunday.

In the statement, Das listed six reasons for the action, including his public comments on the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and his legal notice to former Union minister Maneka Gandhi over allegations against ISKCON.

Das had earlier defended the organisation's practice of serving only vegetarian mid-day meals in schools, a stance that drew attention. The decision to relieve him of his duties comes amid ongoing debates about religious freedom and the role of religious organisations in public discourse.

ISKCON has not issued an official response to Das's claims. The organisation is expected to clarify the reasons for the change in leadership.