“What’s the connection between eating meat and celebrating Independence Day? 99% of Telangana’s people eat meat. These meat bans violate people’s right to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition, and religion.”
Meat bans during Hindu festivals have become usual under the Narendra Modi dispensation. They are hotly contested by most who argue that most in the country predominantly eat non-vegetarian food and that such a move affects local economies. Although August 16 is Janmashtami, a noteworthy day in the Hindu calendar, this meat ban has extended to a secular holiday.
Ajit Pawar, who is deputy chief minister, said, “One would have understood the ban if it were on Ashadhi Ekadashi or Mahavir Jayanti. But when there is no such occasion, why should meat shops be forced to remain closed?”
13/08/2025