A controversy has erupted after several municipal corporations across India ordered meat shops and slaughterhouses to remain closed on August 15 for Independence Day, with some extending the ban to August 16 for Janmashtami.

The directive has drawn sharp criticism, especially in Hyderabad, where AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi called the move “callous and unconstitutional.” Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Owaisi wrote, “What’s the connection between eating meat and celebrating Independence Day? 99% of Telangana’s people eat meat. These meat bans violate people’s rights to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition, and religion.”

Similar restrictions in parts of Maharashtra—such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Malegaon, and Nagpur—have sparked political friction, even within the ruling alliance.

Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar questioned the logic behind the ban, saying, “One would have understood if it were for Ashadhi Ekadashi or Mahavir Jayanti. But when there’s no such occasion, why should meat shops be forced to shut?”

The BJP, however, defended the move, citing a 1988 state government order that allows municipal bodies to impose such restrictions on certain religious or national occasions. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban hit back at critics, pointing out that similar bans were implemented under previous Congress and Maha Vikas Aghadi governments, accusing them of political double standards.

Opposition leaders were quick to voice their objections. Congress’s Vijay Wadettiwar called the ban a “diversionary tactic” meant to shift focus from real civic problems like potholes and traffic chaos. MNS leaders also criticized the move as an attempt to impose vegetarianism on the population.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray was particularly vocal, demanding the suspension of municipal commissioners who issued the orders. “What we eat on Independence Day is our right, our freedom… Why are you entering our homes?” he asked, noting that many Hindu communities, including his own, have cultural traditions involving non-vegetarian offerings during festivals.

As the debate continues, the issue has highlighted deeper tensions around food freedom, religious practices, and government overreach in personal choices.