Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has expressed support for the ‘Malhar certification’ as an alternative to Halal mutton, asserting that Halal food is a practice rooted in Islam and not Hinduism. He praised the initiative led by workers aligned with Hindutva ideology, claiming it provides Hindus with a rightful alternative to Halal mutton, which he believes has been “forced” on society for years.
“The workers following Hindutva ideology have come together and brought a good alternative to mutton for the Hindu society for their rights. It has been forced for years that only Halal mutton should be eaten. Either eat Halal, or you have no other alternative. We have brought a good alternative for it. Eating Halal is not written in Hindu religion, it is written in Islam religion. Therefore, if someone is bringing a good alternative like this, then I am supporting them,” Rane said on Tuesday.
The statement has drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Congress MLA Nana Patole accused the minister of inciting religious division, suggesting that such remarks undermine the control of the Chief Minister over his cabinet members. “A minister cannot talk like this. It gives a message that the Chief Minister has no control over his ministers. If any minister is inciting a fight between two religions, then the CM should take action,” Patole stated.
On the other hand, BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay backed Rane’s position, claiming that the chemicals used in Halal meat production are harmful to the body. “I don’t have any issues regarding who is eating what but if someone is being fed something in a wrong way, then it should be objected…the chemicals that are produced during ‘Halal’ are harmful for our body…I support Nitesh Rane in this case…chicken and mutton shop should have licence,” Upadhyay said.
Earlier this week, Minister Nitish Rane launched the ‘Malhar certification’ for Hindu meat traders, aimed at providing Hindus with a certified option for purchasing mutton from shops that are entirely run by the Hindu community and without any adulteration. Rane emphasized that the certification would empower Hindu youth financially while ensuring a more reliable food source.
Rane took to social media to promote the certification: “Today we have taken a very important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. http://malharcertification.com has been launched on this occasion.” He urged people to use the Malhar certification and avoid purchasing mutton from uncertified places. “These efforts will definitely make the youth of the Hindu community financially empowered,” he added.