Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued a stern warning to a bar and restaurant in Kandivali East for using the name ‘The Shivaay’, alleging it insults Hindu sentiments by associating a deity’s name with alcohol and meat.
The establishment, located in Gokul Nagar, has reportedly been facing objections from local citizens for the past few days. Acting on these complaints, MNS Divisional Secretary Rakesh Shankar Dhanawade handed over a formal letter to the owner, Pankaj Shukla, demanding an immediate name change.
“The name ‘Shivaay’ clearly refers to Lord Mahadev and Shri Shivshankar. Using the name of Hindu gods for a business that serves liquor and meat is not just inappropriate, it’s unacceptable,” Dhanawade said in the letter. He cited a state government resolution dated June 4, 2019, which prohibits businesses selling alcohol or non-vegetarian food from using names of deities, saints, national leaders or historical forts.
The bar’s license is currently registered in the name of Shukla’s wife.
Dhanawade emphasised that the protest, if it happens, will be carried out in typical 'MNS-style' if the bar fails to change its name within a few days. “We are giving a democratic warning today, but if it’s not taken seriously, we will launch an agitation that MNS is known for. We will not tolerate the insult of our deities,” he said.
As of now, the bar has reportedly agreed to consider the demand, though no official confirmation on the name change has been received.
