A political storm has broken out across the country after several civic bodies ordered meat shops and slaughterhouses to remain closed on Independence Day. Leaders from different political parties have called the move an attack on people’s food choices and personal freedoms, arguing that such bans go against the spirit of independence.
In Hyderabad, AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for ordering the closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15 and 16, which also marks Janmashtami.
“Many municipal corporations across India have ordered that slaughterhouses and meat shops should be closed on August 15. Unfortunately, GHMC has also made a similar order. This is callous and unconstitutional. What’s the connection between eating meat and celebrating Independence Day? Ninety-nine percent of Telangana’s people eat meat. These bans violate people’s right to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition and religion,” Owaisi said.
In Maharashtra, a similar order by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation drew objections from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. “It is wrong to impose such a ban. In big cities, people of different castes and religions live together. If it is an emotional issue, people accept it for a day. But if you impose such orders on Maharashtra Day, Independence Day and Republic Day, it becomes difficult,” Pawar said.
The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane also issued a closure notice. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray lashed out at the order, demanding the suspension of the municipal commissioner. “What we eat on Independence Day is our right, our freedom. They cannot tell us what to eat. In our home, even during Navratri, our prasad has prawns and fish because it is our tradition. This is our Hindutva. Why are you entering our homes? The municipal corporation should focus on real issues like potholes,” he said.
Responding to criticism, Arun Sawant, spokesperson for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said the BJP-Sena-NCP government had not approved the ban. “The Opposition is making false allegations against the state government to malign its image,” he said.
