Chennai: Social justice minister Vanni Arasu on Thursday said the department would retain the existing menu of chicken and mutton in govt hostels, seeking to end the controversy over a few students’ request to serve beef.“Beef will not be added to the menu,” Vanni Arasu said, alleging that some political parties were attempting to stir a controversy.The controversy erupted a few days ago after students of MC Rajah hostel in Chennai requested Arasu, during his visit to the facility, to include beef in the menu. Vanni Arasu replied that he would discuss the request with officials and explore its feasibility.Hindu Munnani and Puthiya Tamilagam announced protests. “A group of students met me in my office and submitted a petition, requesting that beef be added to the menu in students’ hostels. However, various aspects, including viability, had to be considered. After consulting officials, we decided not to alter the existing menu,” Vanni Arasu said.
