NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad
Credit: X/@Awhadspeaks
Mumbai: Maharashtra is now witnessing politics over ‘Halal mutton’ and ‘Jhatka mutton.’
The issue erupted when BJP leader and the state's Ports and Fisheries Minister, Nitesh Rane, requested people to opt for Malhar certification, an agency run by the Hindu Khatik community.
The Malhar certification is similar to the existing Halal certification in India, where animals are slaughtered according to Islamic laws.
The Malhar certification agency has also launched a website: https://malharcertification.com.
According to details posted on the website, "Malhar is a certified platform 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. This meat is available exclusively through Hindu Khatik community vendors."
As per the Halal process, the blood is drained out first.
“We have taken a very important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. Malhar certification has been launched. Through Malhar certification, we will have access to our rightful mutton shops, and there will be a 100 per cent Hindu community presence, and the person selling the meat will also be a Hindu. No adulteration will be found in the mutton anywhere. These efforts will definitely make the youth of the Hindu community financially empowered,” said Rane.
"This Malhar certification should be used more and more, and Hindus should not buy mutton from shops without Malhar certification. This is what I appeal to people. Jai Shri Ram," Rane added.
Over the last few years, right-wing groups in several BJP-ruled states have started a campaign against Halal meat.
However, NCP (SP) leader and former minister Dr Jitendra Awhad countered Rane, saying, “The budget has been a flop, and hence they have come out with this. It is simply childish.”
Last year, Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak's Chairperson Ranjit Savarkar, the grandson of revolutionary freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, said: “Today, efforts are being made to expand religious influence through the ‘Halal certification.’ In response, the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak introduced the ‘Om certification.’ This certification is essential for Hindu traders operating in or around temples.”