NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted in Maharashtra over the government’s new meat certification initiative. The controversy began when Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane launched ‘Malhar Certification’ for Hindu meat traders to ensure “100% Hindu-owned mutton shops, free from adulteration.”
Rane stated that Hindu shopkeepers selling ‘jhatka’ mutton would be granted this certification and urged Hindu consumers to purchase mutton exclusively from certified vendors.
Soon after Rane’s announcement, the opposition criticised the move, alleging it would divide society.
Congress MLA Nana Patole condemned Rane’s remarks, stating that a minister should not make such divisive statements. “A minister cannot talk like this. It sends a message that the Chief Minister has no control over his ministers. If any minister is inciting conflict between two religions, the CM should take action,” Patole told ANI.
Congress leader Aslam Shaikh termed the move unconstitutional. “If this government or Nitesh Rane wants to enter the meat business, then it’s good. Our Constitution gives us the freedom to do anything, eat anything, but saying that only one person will do a type of job does not align with our Constitution,” he said.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad also criticised the comments, particularly during the holy month of Ramzan. “When everything is running smoothly in the state, the BJP government tries to stoke Hindu-Muslim issues,” he said. He also questioned the political motive behind the debate on illegal loudspeakers, stating, “Action should be taken where necessary, but why make it a political issue?”
BJP MLA backs Rane
Despite the backlash, BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay defended Rane’s certification initiative, arguing that ‘Halal’ meat poses health risks. “I have no issue with what people choose to eat, but if someone is being misled, it should be objected to. The chemicals produced during the ‘halal’ process are harmful to the body. I support Nitesh Rane in this case — chicken and mutton shops should have proper licensing,” Upadhyay said.
Meanwhile, Rane, justifying his initiative, claimed that the certification would help Hindus identify “rightful mutton shops” run by members of the Hindu community and ensure no adulteration. Announcing the launch on social media platform X, he wrote, “Today, we have taken a very important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. Malhar Certification has been launched to ensure access to 100% Hindu-owned mutton shops, free from adulteration.”
He further urged people to prioritise certified vendors and avoid purchasing from uncertified shops. “I appeal to everyone to use Malhar Certification and not buy mutton from places without it. This initiative will empower Hindu youth financially,” Rane added.
What is Malhar certification?
According to the government website, Malhar certification is for jhatka mutton and chicken vendors. “It ensures that goat and sheep meat, sacrificed according to Hindu religious traditions, is fresh, clean, free from saliva contamination, and not mixed with any other animal meat,” the website stated.
“This meat is available exclusively through Hindu Khatik community vendors. Therefore, we encourage everyone to purchase mutton only from vendors certified by Malhar,” it said.
| Feature | Halal Meat | Malhar Meat |
|---|---|---|
| Slaughter Method | Animals are slaughtered according to Islamic rituals, with a single deep cut to the throat while reciting a prayer (Tasmiyah). Blood is drained completely. | Follows the ‘jhatka’ method, where the animal is killed instantly with a single swift blow. |
| Religious Association | Adheres to Islamic dietary laws and is consumed by Muslims worldwide. | Promoted as an initiative for Hindu consumers, ensuring meat is sourced from Hindu-owned shops. |
| Certification Authority | Certified by Islamic organizations ensuring compliance with halal guidelines. | Introduced by Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane as a certification exclusively for Hindu meat traders. |
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