‘Decision in Place Since 1988’: Fadnavis Clarifies Amid Maharashtra Independence Day Meat Ban Row
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday clarified that the closure of meat shops and abattoirs on Independence Day is not a new directive, but a practice in place since 1988. The BJP leader cited a state government resolution (GR) from that year, which empowers civic bodies to impose such restrictions.
Fadnavis said the policy existed even during the Uddhav Thackeray-led government and insisted that the state government is not interested in policing people’s food choices. He described the controversy over the Independence Day closures as “unnecessary.”
Several municipal corporations—including Nagpur, Nashik, Malegaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kalyan-Dombivli—had issued orders directing slaughterhouses and meat shops to remain closed on August 15. Some civic bodies also impose closures during Hindu and Jain festivals.
Opposition Questions the Ban
The NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, raised questions over the ban, calling it inappropriate. Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders also criticised the closure, arguing it infringed on people’s dietary freedom.
The BJP, however, said the policy was originally framed by the Congress government in 1988, during Shankarrao Chavan’s tenure, and implemented when Sharad Pawar became Chief Minister. State BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye challenged opposition leaders Jitendra Awhad and Aaditya Thackeray, noting that the practice continued during the MVA government (2019–22) when they were ministers.
Earlier, Aaditya Thackeray demanded the Kalyan-Dombivli civic commissioner’s suspension, stating it was inappropriate to dictate dietary choices. Congress called the controversy over meat shop closures and city pigeon-feeding “nonsensical,” claiming it diverts attention from serious issues.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar also expressed disapproval, noting that such bans are traditionally linked to religious occasions like Ashadhi Ekadashi, Mahashivratri, or Mahavir Jayanti. He added:
“If it is an emotional issue, people accept it for a day. But imposing it on Maharashtra Day, Independence Day, and Republic Day is difficult.”
