Now a Mahayuti ally too opposes Independence Day meat ban in Maharashtra civic bodies. Devendra Fadnavis cornered?

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has joined the voices objecting to the Independence Day meat ban order at some civic bodies in the state, putting the ruling BJP and CM Devendra Fadnavis in an uncomfortable position.

NCP chief Ajit Pawar said it was wrong to close slaughterhouses and meat shops on Independence Day, adding that such restrictions are usually implemented on faith-related festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi, Mahashivratri and Mahavir Jayanti.

Pointing out that people in Maharashtra eat vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, Pawar said people of different castes and religions reside in major cities. "If it is an emotional issue, then people accept it (meat ban) for a day. But if you clamp such orders on Maharashtra Day, Independence Day and Republic Day, then it is difficult," the deputy CM said.

The issue escalated after a notice signed by Kanchan Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner, Licensing, at Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) said all licensed butchers dealing in goats, sheep, chicken, and large animals should follow the directive. It also warned that violators will face action under Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949 sections 334, 336 and 394(A).

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A similar order was issued by the Malegaon Municipal Corporation.

Slamming the KDMC meat ban order, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday called for the resignation of the commissioner. He pointed out that at his home, the prasad has prawns and fish even on Navratri. “Because this is our tradition, this is our Hinduism... This is not a matter of religion, and it is not a matter of national interest..." he added.

Uddhav Thackeray's son said the government cannot tell people what to eat on Independence Day, as it is their right and freedom. "We will definitely eat non-veg. We eat it in our house," he added.

NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad called the KDMC meat ban order "food policing" and slammed the move as a bid to divide people based on their food preference. "On the day we got freedom, you are taking away our freedom to eat what we want," Awhad told PTI.