Two days ago, tensions erupted in Mira Road after residents of a co-operative housing society opposed the keeping of goats within the premises for Bakrid qurbani. The situation later escalated into communal tension after members of the Bajrang Dal allegedly brought a pig into the society as part of a protest. Police immediately intervened and
removed the animal from the spot.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday criticised attempts to create communal tensions in Maharashtra over the Bakri Eid festival, alleging that such incidents do not reflect the state’s culture and traditions.
Addressing a press conference, Raut took a swipe at what he termed as “new Hindutva”, accusing certain groups of selectively targeting Muslim religious practices while ignoring animal sacrifices allegedly linked to temples.
Referring to the recent controversy surrounding sacrifices, Raut said Maharashtra has a long tradition of coexistence and harmony, and efforts to trigger riots in the name of religion were unfortunate.
He said that Maharashtra has traditionally been a land of non-vegetarians and followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “We are Kshatriyas, we are Marathas. Sacrifices have always been part of our tradition, and we are even prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Without sacrifice, neither the country nor Maharashtra can be
protected,” he said.
“Those opposing Bakrid sacrifices should also speak against the alleged sacrifice of 55 buffaloes at the Kamakhya temple. A government that came to power after such sacrifices is now objecting to others’ religious practices,” he alleged.
The Rajya Sabha MP further claimed that many leaders criticising meat consumption themselves run meat shops and hotels where non-vegetarian food is served.
He said Maharashtra has historically been a non-vegetarian state and accused political opponents of attempting to alter its social and cultural identity.
Raut also said that while methods and practices may evolve over time, targeting a particular community’s traditions
while remaining silent on similar practices elsewhere reflected “double standards”.
He termed the ongoing controversy politically motivated and urged people not to disturb Maharashtra’s social fabric in the name of religion.
However, police personnel have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order and ensure that no communal violence takes place.
