KDMC bans meat sale on Independence Day, Opposition slams move as ‘food policing’
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The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) announced a 24-hour ban on meat sales and animal slaughter across its jurisdiction on August 15, sparking strong political backlash.
The restriction will cover all licensed butchers dealing in goats, sheep, chicken, and large animals, and will be enforced from midnight on August 14.
A notice signed by Kanchan Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner (Licensing), warns that violations will invite action under Sections 334, 336, and 394(A) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949. The KDMC, currently under administrative rule, is being run by the municipal commissioner as the state government’s representative.
Opposition leaders have condemned the move, calling it an intrusion into personal choice.
NCP (SP) leader Dr. Jitendra Awhad accused the government of “fueling a vegetarian–non-vegetarian divide” after running out of other social controversies. “My plan is to host a mutton party at the spot. The Maharashtra Government should just announce the date,” he said, vowing to eat mutton in Kalyan-Dombivli on Friday to defy the order.
NCP (SP) MP Suresh Mhatre argued that food preferences are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, especially in the coastal Agri-Koli community. “Such a ban cannot be imposed,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded 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,” he remarked.
Defending the decision, Shiv Sena MLA from Kalyan, Vishwanath Bhoir, said there was no public opposition to the move. “If people become vegetarian for one day, what is the harm? Criticism is the job of the Opposition,” he stated.
