Meat shops ordered to close during Chhath in Bengal's Birbhum, Congress slams move

ملخص مفصل

The controversy erupted after a notice was reportedly put up at a meat shop in Rampurhat, directing it to remain closed on Sunday and Monday in view of Chhath Puja.

A decision by the Rampurhat Municipality in West Bengal’s Birbhum district to keep meat shops closed for two days during Chhath Puja has triggered a political controversy, with the Congress questioning the rationale behind the directive and accusing the civic body of engaging in selective action.

The municipality has defended the move, saying it was intended to respect the religious sentiments of devotees observing the festival.

The controversy erupted after a notice was reportedly put up at a meat shop in Rampurhat, directing it to remain closed on Sunday and Monday in view of Chhath Puja.

The directive has drawn criticism from the Congress, which questioned why the municipality was prioritising the closure of meat shops when other pressing issues in the area required attention.

Rampurhat Municipal Chairman Soumen Bhagat said the decision was taken after discussions regarding arrangements for the festival, which is observed by members of the Bihari community as well as local residents.

He said devotees visit Chhath Puja sites carrying religious offerings and many walk barefoot as part of the rituals.

Explaining the municipality's position, Bhagat said that blood and water from meat shops could spill onto roads, potentially causing discomfort to devotees and hurting their religious sentiments.

He maintained that the temporary closure was intended to ensure that worshippers could observe the festival without facing such difficulties.

The chairman also referred to discussions held with local administrative officials, including the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and the police Inspector-in-Charge (IC), before the decision was communicated.

مطلع المقال، مقتطف من India Today. لقراءة المقال كاملًا، افتحه على موقع الناشر.