A controversy has erupted over the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s (KDMC) decision to close all meat shops on Independence Day (August 15). Jitendra Awhad, senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), has strongly criticised the move and announced plans to host a “mutton party” in protest.
According to an official notice issued by the KDMC, all slaughterhouses and licensed meat shops will remain closed for 24 hours from midnight on August 14 to midnight on August 15. The ban applies to the sale of goat, sheep, poultry, and large animal meat. The corporation has also warned that any violation of this order will result in action under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949.
The decision has sparked debate over citizens' food freedom, with many questioning whether such a restriction aligns with the values of independence and individual rights.
Awhad, taking to social media, posted, "On the very day we gained freedom, you’re taking away our freedom to choose what to eat. I am planning to host a mutton party on August 15. This is too much. Who are you to decide what and when people should eat?"
The notice was signed by Kanchan Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner of the KDMC’s Licensing Department. She clarified that the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining public order on a day of national importance, and is based on long-standing administrative resolutions.
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The KDMC emphasised that this practice is consistent with directives issued for other significant days such as Mahavir Jayanti, Republic Day, and Maharashtra Day, during which meat shops and slaughterhouses are also required to remain closed.
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