Nagpur slaughterhouses and meat shops to remain shut on August 15

The notice was issued in accordance with a Maharashtra Government directive, officials said, adding that the decision for the Janmashtami closure of meat shops was approved by the municipal commissioner.

On Monday, the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) ordered the closure of all slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15. The restriction will apply to all licensed butchers dealing in goats, sheep, chicken, and large animals and remain in force from midnight on August 14.
The Opposition has criticised the move, with NCP (SP)’s Jitendra Awhad asking if residents are being told what to eat on Independence Day and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray calling for the KDMC commissioner’s suspension.

“Who is the commissioner to tell us what to eat and what not to? Bridges are collapsing, roads are in terrible shape, and instead of fixing them, the administration is busy banning food,” Thackeray said.

Awhad also said he planned to hold a mutton party on Friday to protest the restrictions. Vishwanath Bhoir, Kalyan MLA from the ruling Shiv Sena, sought to defend the decision, arguing that being vegetarian for one day should not be an issue.