‘Are all vegetarians impotent?’: BJP hits out at Sanjay Raut for criticism of Independence Day meat sales ban
The BJP sought an unconditional apology from Sanjay Raut, who had questioned how the government can stop people from eating non-vegetarian food.
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Sanjay Raut had accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of curbing individual freedom over the choice of food. (Express Photo)The BJP Thursday attacked Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut over his remarks on the decision by several civic bodies in Maharashtra to close slaughterhouses and ban meat sales on Independence Day and sought an apology from him for allegedly calling vegetarians impotent.
Accusing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of curbing individual freedom over the choice of food, Raut had said, “How can the government stop people from eating non-vegetarian food? Why are such restrictions imposed? Do they want to make people impotent?”
Responding to Raut’s comments, Fadnavis Wednesday said, “Some people have started calling those eating vegetarian food as impotent. This foolishness must stop. Every individual has the right to decide what to eat and not eat. The Constitution has given the right to live to Everybody.”
BJP media cell incharge Navnath Ban, in a press conference in Mumbai Thursday, demanded an unconditional apology from Raut.
“He has insulted Warkari, Dharkari, Malkari, Nath Sampradaya, and Bhagwat, who have strictly observed vegetarianism for centuries. Now, does Raut imply that all vegetarians are impotent?” asked Ban.
The terms Warkari, Darakari, and Malkari are associated with the Varkari devotional movement, which centres on the worship of the presiding deity of the Pandharpur temple, Lord Vitthal.
The BJP spokesperson said, “Everybody has the right to do politics. They can attack the government. But when you blatantly call vegetarians impotent, it is disgusting. This is highly derogatory and insulting to these communities who have given immense contributions to society both spiritually as well as in battles.”
“Nath Sampradaya is known for its valour. They waged and won many battles against the invaders. If someone were to question vegetarian communities and call them impotent, the BJP will not tolerate it,” Ban added.
“Raut should issue an apology to all these communities immediately. Or else we will be forced to take to the streets,” Ban warned.
He also criticised the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP for questioning the state government’s development work. “From Atal Detu, Coastal Road, BDD Chawl, Dharavi, Metro, Samruddhi Expressway… The list runs long. And these developments have transformed the face of Maharashtra,” he added.
Nagpur, Kalyan-Dombivli, Malegaon and Jalgaon are some of the civic bodies in Maharashtra that have ordered closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops for 24 hours on August 15. The Kalyan-Dombivli civic body, the first to issue the notification, said the restriction will apply to all licensed butchers dealing in goats, sheep, chicken, and large animals, and would come into force from midnight on August 14.
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