Bhopal: Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have imposed a ban on the sale of meat, fish, and eggs during the Hindu festival of Navratri, which runs from September 22 to October 2. The order applies across the state and will be lifted after the festival ends.
The decision has drawn criticism from residents and political leaders, who argue that the ban disproportionately affects minority and marginalized communities, particularly Muslims, who rely on meat trade for their livelihood. TMC leader Mahua Moitra described the order as unfair and called it an imposition on the multi-faith population of Bhopal.
Independent researcher Aatifa Ikram Khan said the ban is an economic attack on Muslims. She noted that meat vending has traditionally been a source of income for minority groups, and restricting it during festivals forces many families to shut down temporarily or borrow to survive. Local journalist Ankit Pachauri added that the ban targets Muslims, Dalits, and tribal communities who dominate meat trade, while it allows non-minority populations to continue festival practices without restriction.
Police officials stated the ban follows traditional practice during Navratri and aims to respect religious sentiments of devotees. Circle Officer Varun Mishra emphasized that enforcement will ensure compliance, with shops and restaurants instructed to remain closed during the festival.
Critics argue the policy reflects broader patterns of economic and social marginalization. Many affected families face temporary loss of income, while businesses reliant on meat and eggs struggle to sustain operations. Analysts say such measures reinforce structural inequalities and place an additional burden on minority communities during religious observances of other groups.
