Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 22: Senior Congress leader Udit Raj has strongly opposed moves to ban non-vegetarian food and close meat shops during Navratri, calling such actions unconstitutional and an overreach of authority.

In a statement, Raj argued that dietary choices are deeply personal and cannot be dictated by government orders or religious sentiment. He noted that many Hindus continue to consume meat during Navratri and that Hindu traditions are not monolithic.

“Not all Hindus abstain from meat during Navratri. In fact, several rituals within Hinduism include animal sacrifice. Look at the worship of Goddess Kali — she is offered animal sacrifices in many parts of the country,” Raj said, pointing out the diversity of customs practiced across regions and communities.

During Navratri, various states like Uttar Pradesh and certain areas of Delhi often issue orders restricting the sale of meat as a gesture to uphold religious sentiments. These restrictions are typically enforced by local governments or municipal bodies.

However, Raj criticized these measures as political moves aimed at moral policing. “This is an attack on the Constitution. Article 19 guarantees citizens the right to choose — including what they eat. No authority has the power to dictate someone’s diet. If people want to follow a vegetarian lifestyle during Navratri, they’re free to do so. But you can’t impose that on everyone else,” he stated.

He went on to accuse some leaders of double standards. “The same people pushing for bans are often non-vegetarians themselves — they’ll eat meat at home but stir up controversy in public to serve their political agendas.”

Raj emphasized that the Indian Constitution, not individual religious beliefs, must remain the guiding principle of governance.

“India is a secular, democratic country. We don’t live under religious rule. The law of the land is the Constitution, not someone’s personal interpretation of faith,” he concluded.