Maharashtra: Opposition slams decision of civic bodies to ban meat

Mumbai: The opposition Congress-NCP in Maharashtra today slammed the decision to ban meat sale during the upcoming fasting period of Jains in Mumbai and neighbouring Mira Bhayander, saying BJP-Shiv Sena were trying to "polarise" voters ahead of municipal corporation polls.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Sachin Sawant said last year Shiv Sena had supported the ruling BJP's decision to ban sale of meat in Mira-Bhayander during the 'Paryushan'. However, this year Sena has disapproved.

"But, Sena who is in power in the Mumbai civic body takes a similar decision to ban sale of meat in the metropolis.

This is being done to polarise voters for the upcoming elections to Mumbai municipal corporation," he said.

The elections to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) will be held February 2017.

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare said government should have taken a decision by consensus to ensure the sentiments of Jains and rest of the society are not hurt.

Sale of meat has been prohibited for four days in Mumbai during the Jain community's upcoming fasting period following a demand including from BJP, sparking a row with ally Shiv Sena denouncing it as "appeasement" and "religious terrorism".

Earlier, the Mira Bhayander Muncipal Corporation has also banned the sale of meat for 8 days from September 11 to 18 when the Jain community will observe fasting period 'Paryushan'.