Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh): BJP MLA Nanda Kishore Gurjar from Loni, Ghaziabad has stirred nationwide condemnation after a video surfaced of him threatening Muslim meat sellers during a visit to their shops, just days before Eid al-Azha. The video, recorded in the presence of police officials, shows Gurjar aggressively stating, “If he runs, shoot him,” upon spotting a chicken cage near one of the shops.In the same incident, Gurjar was seen forcibly handing over a shopkeeper to the police, raising serious concerns over abuse of authority and incitement to violence. The remarks and actions of the MLA have instilled fear among local Muslim residents, particularly with the festival of Eid approaching.
Prior to the visit, Gurjar had written a letter to the District Commissioner of Ghaziabad, alleging widespread illegal meat slaughter in Loni, which he claimed could attract birds and pose a danger to flights from the nearby Hindon Airport. He cited the potential risk of plane crashes and described the situation as a threat to Indian Air Force operations. Referring to a previous plane crash, he urged officials to crack down on meat shops in the region.
In the letter, Gurjar further asserted that Loni falls under an Air Force ordinance zone where slaughtering, selling meat, collecting bones, or operating meat shops is prohibited. He controversially added that any violation of this ordinance should be treated as an act of treason.
He also made bizarre suggestions, urging Muslims to celebrate an “eco-friendly Eid” by cutting cakes with goat-shaped designs instead of sacrificing animals — a statement many have labeled as disrespectful to religious traditions.
Gurjar announced that his party workers would monitor the area using drones during Eid to prevent what he described as violations.
Criticism was swift. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Bhanu Bhaskar Joshi condemned the MLA’s remarks as “inciteful and unlawful,” questioning, “Which law permits shooting a fleeing shopkeeper? This is a clear human rights violation and displays the BJP’s growing intolerance towards minorities.”
The incident has added to ongoing concerns regarding rising hate speech and harassment of Muslim communities in India, particularly during religious occasions.
