Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Aug 10: A civic order from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) directing meat shops and slaughterhouses to shut down on Independence Day has sparked a political backlash, with NCP-Sharad Pawar faction leader Jitendra Awhad slamming the move as an infringement on personal freedom.

In a notice issued this week, the KDMC mandated that all licensed butchers and slaughterhouses remain closed from midnight of August 14 to midnight of August 15. The order, signed by Deputy Commissioner (Licensing) Kanchan Gaikwad, warned of action under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, for any violations.

Awhad: "Freedom Means Freedom to Eat"

Criticising the directive, MLA Jitendra Awhad announced he would host a mutton party on Independence Day in defiance of the ban.

“On the day we got freedom, you are taking away our freedom to eat what we want,” he said to reporters, calling the move unnecessary and regressive.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Awhad added,

“This is too much. Who are you to decide what people will eat and when?”

Civic Body Cites Tradition, Public Order

The civic body defended its decision as a customary administrative practice meant to maintain public order on national occasions. “The order aligns with past resolutions to ensure observance of significant days in a respectful manner,” said Gaikwad.

The debate reflects a recurring flashpoint in India over food choices, religious sensitivities, and individual freedoms — particularly on symbolic days like Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti, when some cities enforce meat bans.

With the issue drawing political heat, it remains to be seen whether the KDMC will modify its stance or face public and legal resistance led by Awhad and others.