- By Raju Kumar
- Wed, 12 Mar 2025 01:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Halal Vs Malhar Mutton: Before the Aurangzeb row - triggered after Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi hailed the Mughal emperor - would die down in Maharashtra, another emotive controversy broke in the state. Now, there is a mutton vs mutton row ahead of Holi, when sales of meat see a rise.
'Malhar certification' for Hindu meat traders
On Monday, Maharashtra Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitish Rane launched the 'Malhar certification' for Hindu meat traders. Rane said this certification will help in accessing "rightful mutton shops" with a "100 per cent Hindu community" and without any adulteration.
Website launched to locate Hindu meat shop
Taking to social media X, Rane wrote, "Today we have taken a very important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. http://malharcertification.com has been launched on this occasion."
"Through Malhar Certification, we will have access to our rightful mutton shops and there will be a 100 per cent Hindu community and the person selling will also be a Hindu. No adulteration will be found in the mutton anywhere," he added.
Rane appealed to the people to use the certification and not buy mutton from places where the certification was not available. He also stated that the efforts would make the youth of the community financially empowered.
What is the Malhar mutton?
It all started after Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has voiced support for the Malhar certification as an alternative to Halal mutton for Hindus, stating that Halal food is part of Islam, not Hinduism.
Minister links mutton row to Hindutva ideology
Rane said the workers following Hindutva ideology have come together and brought a good alternative to Mutton for the Hindu society for their rights.
Eating Halal is not written in Hindu religion: Rane
"It has been forced for years that only Halal mutton should be eaten. Either eat Halal, or you have no other alternative. We have brought a good alternative for it. Eating Halal is not written in Hindu religion, it is written in Islam religion. Therefore, if someone is bringing a good alternative like this, then I am supporting them," Rane said on Tuesday.
MVA slams government on mutton row
On Tuesday, opposition leaders slammed Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's statement on the 'Malhar certification' for Hindu meat traders. Congress MLA Nana Patole claimed that a minister cannot talk like this.
"A minister cannot talk like this. It gives a message that the chief minister has no control over his ministers. If any minister is inciting a fight between two religions, then the CM should take action," Patole said.
What is halal meat?
Halal meat is meat from animals that are slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. In the Halal process, an animal is killed with a single, clean cut across the neck that doesn't cut the spinal cord, which Hinduhardliners often oppose.
Why do some BJP leaders oppose halal meat?
A section of Hindu hardliners and BJP oppose such kind of meat, terming it against the Hindu religion. BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay supported Rane's statement and said that the chemicals that are produced during 'Halal' are harmful for the body.
"I don't have any issues regarding who is eating what but if someone is being fed something in a wrong way, then it should be objected. The chemicals that are produced during 'Halal' are harmful to our bodies. I support Rane in this case. Chicken and mutton shop should have a licence," Upadhyay added.
Why is govt supporting meat row?
Maharashtra politics is always dominated by issues related to Hindutva. Two factions of Shiv Sena and the BJP considered themselves the champions of causes of anything related to Hinduism. In fact, there is a race between BJP, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena to be champion of Hindu causes in Maharashtra.
(With ANI inputs)
