Mumbai: A rift has emerged between the BJP and Shinde Sena following the Wednesday protest at Dadar kabutarkhana, which was alleged to be started by the members of the Jain community.
BJP minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha condemned the incident, stating that those who created the ruckus were not Jains rather outsiders. “What happened was wrong. The Chief Minister had already issued clear instructions after hearing all sides. Public health must be prioritised.”
Lodha appealed to maintain peace and not take the law into hands. “The matter is sub-judice and we should wait for the court's verdict,” he said while addressing the media at the site.
He further added that temple trustees had clarified their non-involvement in the protest and had postponed their scheduled meeting. “I came here immediately after receiving the news. I spoke to officials and also visited the temple to speak with the trustees. They told me the protesters were not associated with them,” Lodha specified.
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However, Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande strongly criticised the act, claiming it was a direct violation of the Bombay High Court’s order. Kayande said some people “misled” the CM, leading to an ill-informed decision.
“If the protesters were not Jains then who were they? The court order must be respected. This is not about religion but public health.” People have died due to diseases caused by pigeon droppings, claimed Kayande, asking where should their families go for justice.
She highlighted the “hypocrisy” of having pigeon nets around Jain temples and homes while demanding that kabutarkhana should be left untouched. “If pigeon nets are fine at Jain premises, why object to restrictions at kabutarkhana,” Kayande asked. She also pointed out that many pigeons die during the kite festivals in Gujarat, imply ing that animal rights concerns are often selectively applied.
“Pigeons have wings, they can fly and feed themselves. Also, Dadar kabutarkhana is a traffic island, not a heritage site,” Kayande pointed out.
Meanwhile, NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar and former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar also condemned the protest and criticised the BMC for not providing an alternative site before shutting down kabutarkhanas.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emphasised the need to strike a balance between religious sentiments and public health. “We will try to find a solution that respects the tradition while ensuring there is no threat to public health. We already have some proposals and will present them before the court,” he said.
