Chirag Paswan calls talks of shutting down meat shops during Navratri “nonsense”

Patna: Union Minister Chirag Paswan blasted individuals involved in such “divisive” politics, calling all of these discussions “trash,” amid administrative directives banning meat in some areas during the holidays of Eid-ul-Fitr and Navratri.

The leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Paswan, said that as religion is a matter of personal beliefs, political parties should not discuss it.

“For political reasons, some want to polarize society. There are important topics to talk about today. Political parties should, at the very least, refrain from making remarks against the religions of others or anybody. After attending the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting at the home of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Paswan told reporters, “This is a matter of personal faith.”

Paswan called the debates about closing (meat) stores during Navratri “worthless,” pointing out that people of all faiths had lived modestly and with fraternity for ages.

“This is all trash talk,” said Faltu ki baaten hai ye sab. This is not necessary. Every religious person has upheld fraternity and led a simple life over these ages. These are pointless discussions over who will provide Namaz, where it will be offered, and whether or not stores will be open or closed during Navratri. “This does not require a discussion,” the Union Minister said.

Paswan said that if political parties and religious organizations refrain from “interfering” in one another’s affairs, 90% of the problems will be settled.

“Nearly 90% of the issues would be addressed the moment political parties and religious organizations stopped defending one another and meddling with religious matters. The problems arise when political conflicts arise,” he said.

In the past, during the Navratri festival, which took place from March 30 to April 7, the Maihar district government in Madhya Pradesh prohibited the buying and selling of meat, fish, and eggs within the boundaries of Maihar Nagar Palika.

In accordance with section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, which gives the authority to make quick preventative measures in circumstances of imminent annoyance or suspected risk, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Maihar, Vikas Kumar Singh, issued an order on Friday for the purpose.