Opposition Launches Sharp Offensive; Mahayuti Alliance Shaken by Internal Rift

by Webdesk
13 Aug 2025

The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) prohibiting the sale of meat on Independence Day, three more civic bodies — those of Malegaon, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur — have now adopted the same measure.

The move has stirred political controversy. Opposition parties, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT), have criticised the decision, describing it as an attempt to “enforce vegetarianism” on citizens. Within the ruling Mahayuti alliance itself, opinions were split — the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) questioned the necessity of such a ban, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came out in support, pointing out that similar restrictions had been implemented by previous governments as well.

Criticising the timing of the ban, an NCP leader remarked, “A restriction like this could be understood if it were for occasions like Ashadhi Ekadashi or Mahavir Jayanti, when certain communities traditionally avoid non-vegetarian food. But what is the logic behind shutting meat shops on Independence Day? People in India have been consuming both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food for generations. For many in rural areas and tribal belts, a holiday is often an occasion to prepare and enjoy non-vegetarian meals.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray took an even stronger stance, declaring that he would personally consume non-vegetarian food on August 15. “Municipal commissioners have no authority to dictate citizens’ food choices. Such officers should be suspended for this overreach. What are communities like the Agari and Koli, who consume non-vegetarian food daily, supposed to do? In fact, within several Hindu communities, including ours, we even make non-vegetarian offerings to Goddess Durga during Navratri,” he said. Thackeray argued that Hinduism itself allows individuals the freedom to decide their dietary habits, and questioned why vegetarianism was being “forced” upon Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also voiced opposition, with leader Bala Nandgaonkar urging the state government to withdraw the decision. Meanwhile, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the government of using the ban as a political diversion. “Instead of addressing pressing problems like bad roads, traffic chaos, and rising pollution, the government is wasting time dictating what people can or cannot eat,” Wadettiwar said.

In response to these criticisms, the BJP countered with historical evidence. Party members pointed to a state government order issued on May 12, 1988, which empowered municipal corporations to close meat shops on days such as Independence Day and Mahavir Jayanti. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban posted a copy of this order on social media platform X, noting, “It was during the Congress government in 1988 that meat shop closures on Independence Day were authorised. And under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2021, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation issued a similar order for Independence Day. Why were these same leaders silent back then, but are creating a controversy now?”

Supporters of the ban argue that such restrictions are neither new nor unprecedented, but rather part of a long-standing administrative tradition. Critics, however, see the decision as an unnecessary and intrusive step that infringes upon personal freedom and cultural practices.

With the issue gaining momentum, it has not only sparked debate between the ruling and opposition camps but also highlighted divisions within the Mahayuti coalition. On one side are those who see the measure as consistent with earlier policies; on the other are those who consider it a politically motivated overstep.

As August 15 approaches, the matter shows no signs of quieting down. For now, the meat sale ban remains in effect in KDMC, Malegaon, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur, setting the stage for a politically charged Independence Day where questions about food, culture, and governance will be as much in the headlines as patriotic celebrations.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Opposition Launches Sharp Offensive; Mahayuti Alliance Shaken by Internal Rift

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