States » EastPosted at: Nov 15 2026 12:06AM


Bengal: Rampurhat Municipality's Chhath Puja meat shop closure order sparks political row

Rampurhat, Nov 14 (UNI) A decision by the Rampurhat Municipality in West Bengal's Birbhum district to temporarily close three meat shops during Chhath Puja on November 15 and 16 has triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties questioning the move and its implications for local cultural practices.
The circular, issued by the Trinamool Congress-run municipality and signed by Chairman Soumen Bhakat, directs the identified shops to remain closed on Sunday and Monday until 10 am. It also instructs vendors to keep cut meat covered with a red cloth on other days. Copies of the notice have been sent to the shop owners, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and the local police station.
The decision has drawn criticism from the CPM and Congress, with leaders questioning why restrictions are being imposed during Chhath Puja when meat shops reportedly remain open during major religious occasions at the nearby Tarapith temple, including Kaushiki Amavasya and Kali Puja.
Clarifying the decision, Bhakat said the restriction would apply only until 10 am on November 15 and 16, after which the shops could resume normal operations.
He said the decision was taken unanimously at an administrative meeting attended by police personnel and local MLAs, following objections from members of the non-Bengali community.
The chairman also alleged that two shops near the court had been slaughtering animals in the open along a road frequently used by schoolchildren, despite earlier instructions to keep such activities covered.
"During Maa Tara's worship, fish is offered and rams are sacrificed. However, Chhath Puja is a Sattvik ritual where devotees observe a strict waterless fast for two days. It is a community festival tied to deep religious sentiments," Bhakat said.
CPM Birbhum District Committee member Sanjeev Mallick accused the administration of trying to replace local traditions with what he described as "BJP culture".
He referred to recent remarks by Bageshwar Baba against eating meat and fish during Durga Puja and said people were coming together to protest the municipality's decision.
Former Congress MLA Milton Rashid alleged that the chairman had issued the notice to appease the BJP, arguing that restrictions on meat and fish amounted to an affront to rural Bengal's festive traditions.
The controversy has also prompted debate on social media, particularly over the relationship between religious observances and local food practices.
UNI DC NST BM
Tags: #Bengal: Rampurhat Municipality's Chhath Puja meat shop closure order sparks political row
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