New Delhi— Orders issued by several municipal corporations across India to shut slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15 — and in some areas extending to August 16 for Janmashtami — have triggered sharp political reactions, raising questions about the link between meat consumption and Independence Day celebrations, reported the Hindustan Times.
In Hyderabad, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s directive drew criticism from AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who termed it “callous and unconstitutional.”
“What’s the connection between eating meat and celebrating Independence Day? 99% of Telangana’s people eat meat. These meat bans violate people’s right to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition, and religion,” Owaisi posted on X.
Similar restrictions have been announced in Maharashtra, including by civic bodies in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Malegaon, and Nagpur. The move has exposed divisions within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance.
Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar questioned the logic, stating, “One would have understood the ban if it were on Ashadhi Ekadashi or Mahavir Jayanti. But when there is no such occasion, why should meat shops be forced to remain closed?”
Opposition parties, including the MNS and Congress, accused the government of attempting to impose vegetarianism and distract from pressing civic issues like potholes and traffic congestion. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called the order “a ploy to divert attention from real problems.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded suspension of municipal commissioners responsible for such orders. “What we eat on Independence Day is our right, our freedom… Why are you entering our homes?” he asked, noting that several Hindu communities, including his own, have traditions of non-vegetarian offerings during festivals.
BJP leaders, however, defended the move, citing a 1988 Maharashtra government order empowering municipal bodies to impose such bans on occasions like Independence Day and Mahavir Jayanti. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban also pointed out that similar restrictions were implemented under previous Congress and Maha Vikas Aghadi governments, accusing critics of double standards.
The controversy continues to stir public debate over personal freedom, cultural practices, and state intervention in dietary choices.
