‘Unconstitutional’: Opposition, Owaisi Slam Decision to Shut Meat Shops on August 15, Triggering Political Row
GLOBAL EVENTS
A political storm has broken out after multiple municipal corporations issued orders mandating the closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15.
New Delhi: A political storm is brewing after several municipal corporations in Maharashtra ordered the closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15, which marks both Independence Day and Janmashtami.
According to reports, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has directed that all slaughterhouses and meat outlets remain shut within city limits on August 15 and again on August 20, citing upcoming festivals. While August 15 coincides with Gokul Ashtami — the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth — August 20 marks the start of Paryushan Parva, a key Jain festival dedicated to fasting and prayer.
The CSMC order bans the slaughter of any animals and the sale of meat on both days, warning of strict action against violators. Copies of the directive have been sent to the police commissioner, municipal administration, and all police stations, as well as butchers’ associations and civic ward offices, for enforcement.
Similar restrictions have been announced by municipal bodies in Nagpur and Kalyan in Maharashtra, and in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Owaisi Slams Order as ‘Callous and Unconstitutional’
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the bans, noting that several municipal corporations nationwide — including Hyderabad’s civic body, GHMC — have issued similar directives.
“This is callous and unconstitutional,” Owaisi posted on X, questioning the link between eating meat and celebrating Independence Day. “Ninety-nine percent of Telangana’s people eat meat. These bans violate the right to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition, and religion,” he said.
Ajit Pawar Voices Disapproval
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NDA ally Ajit Pawar also opposed the decision, calling it wrong to impose such a restriction on August 15.
He noted that such bans are typically observed on religious occasions like Ashadhi Ekadashi, Mahashivratri, or Mahavir Jayanti, and stressed that people in Maharashtra consume both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
(With inputs from agencies)