Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray criticised the BJP-led Maharashtra government over its ban on the sale of meat on Independence Day, accusing it of deliberately fuelling divides between communities through measures such as encouraging pigeon feeding and pushing for compulsory Hindi for classes 1 to 5 in schools across the state.

Reacting to the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) decision to ban meat sales on August 15, Raj questioned the true meaning of freedom on Independence Day. “The government should not decide who should eat what. I have asked my party workers to ensure the sale of meat is carried out on the day,” he said.

Continuing his attack on the BJP, Raj Thackeray said Mangal Prabhat Lodha represents all of Maharashtra, not just one community. “Medical experts have been warning about health hazards due to pigeons. The government should take this into consideration instead of acting on emotional grounds,” he stated.