NEW DELHI: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has endorsed Malhar certification as an alternative to halal mutton for Hindus, saying that halal food is rooted in Islamic practices, not Hinduism.
“The workers following Hindutva ideology have come together and brought a good alternative to Mutton for the Hindu society for their rights. 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.
His remarks triggered sharp reactions from the opposition.
Congress MLA Nana Patole opposed the statement, arguing that a minister should not make divisive comments. “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 told ANI.
However, BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay backed Rane, claiming that Halal practices produce harmful chemicals. “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 for our body…I support Nitesh Rane in this case…chicken and mutton shop should have licence,” he said.
On Monday, Rane launched the Malhar certification for Hindu meat traders, describing it as a means to ensure access to “rightful mutton shops” that are “100 per cent Hindu-owned” and free from adulteration.
Announcing the initiative on social media, Rane wrote, “Today, we have taken a crucial step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. Malhar Certification will help identify mutton shops run exclusively by Hindus, ensuring purity and authenticity.”
He urged people to buy only from certified outlets, emphasizing that the initiative would economically empower Hindu youth. “I appeal to everyone to use Malhar certification and avoid shops without it. This will strengthen the financial prospects of Hindu entrepreneurs,” Rane added.
