Kalyan: Meat Sellers, Political Leaders Slam KDMC’s August 15 Meat Shop Ban

Political parties and local meat shop owners in Kalyan have opposed the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) directive to shut all shops selling chicken, mutton, fish, and slaughterhouses on Independence Day (August 15).

Rupesh Manohar Gone, owner of Kalyan Mutton Shop, said he received a KDMC notice stating that his establishment must remain closed on August 15. He argued, “This is the day our country became independent. KDMC cannot dictate what we eat — it’s a personal choice. People celebrate this day like a festival and prefer to eat what they enjoy, be it chicken or mutton.”

Gone, a member of the Khatik Samaj, said the community depends on the meat trade for survival. “Closure for a full day will cause significant hardship for our families,” he added.

Political Reactions
Jitendra Awhad, senior leader of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), slammed KDMC’s move. Speaking to the media, he said, “KDMC has snatched our freedom to eat on Independence Day. What is happening in Maharashtra? First, it was OBC vs Maratha, Hindu vs Muslim, Marathi vs Hindi and now it’s vegetarian vs non-vegetarian.”

Party workers and office bearers of the NCP (SP) from Kalyan submitted a memorandum to the KDMC Deputy Commissioner, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the order. They warned that if it is not withdrawn, they, along with leader Jitendra Awhad, will eat non-veg food inside the KDMC headquarters.

They claimed the directive disproportionately impacts communities like the Khatik and other meat sellers who rely heavily on the trade.

Official Stand
According to a KDMC statement issued on August 4, all legal and illegal shops selling meat, as well as slaughterhouses, must remain closed from 12:00 AM on August 14 to 12:00 AM on August 15, in accordance with provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act.

KDMC officials warned of strict action under Sections 334, 336, and 374(A) of the Act for any violations.

Kanchan Gaikwad, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Licensing), said the directive is part of a previously passed civic resolution, mandating the closure of all meat-selling establishments on certain designated days.