The demand by BJP lawmakers and ministers in Madhya Pradesh to shut down meat shops during the Navratri festival has ignited a political controversy, drawing sharp reactions from the Congress party.
Congress leaders have questioned whether BJP legislators would similarly call for the closure of liquor shops during Ramadan, highlighting what they perceive as selective religious sensitivities.
BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma strongly advocated for the closure of meat shops during the nine-day festival, arguing that respecting Hindu sentiments during fasting periods would promote mutual harmony.
Supporting this stance, Minister Rakesh Singh stated that a significant section of the population abstains from meat during Navratri, and the presence of meat shops nearby could be offensive to their religious observance.
He further justified the demand by emphasising that respecting the beliefs of the majority community was essential.
BJP MLA Abhilash Pandey also endorsed the call, suggesting that vegetarian food, being rich in protein, is a healthier alternative.
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Congress leader Abbas Hafeez, however, dismissed these demands as politically motivated, accusing the BJP of using religious sentiments for electoral gain.
He argued that if the BJP were truly committed to religious sensitivities, it should also enforce the closure of liquor shops during Ramadan. Hafeez questioned why such a proposal was never considered by the ruling party, alleging hypocrisy in their approach.
The debate has also drawn reactions from meat traders, who have accused BJP leaders of attempting to create unnecessary tensions in a state known for its Ganga-Jamuni culture of communal harmony. Many traders argued that if any restrictions were to be imposed, they should apply to liquor shops instead.
They also stressed that meat shops already function under government regulations and operate in designated areas.
As the political debate intensifies, the demand for shutting down meat shops during Navratri continues to fuel divisions, with BJP leaders insisting on their stance while Congress and business owners push back against what they perceive as targeted restrictions.
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