Bhopal: A demand by a BJP legislator in Madhya Pradesh for Muslim-owned meat shops to close during the Hindu festival of Navratri has sparked controversy and criticism from the opposition Congress party.

Rameshwar Sharma, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, made the call, asserting that avoiding meat for a few days would not lead to starvation and that Hindus should be respected during the festival. Sharma has a history of making contentious statements.

The Congress party swiftly condemned Sharma’s demand. They argued that such a move would adversely affect traders who rely on the meat business for their income. The party urged the government to offer compensation to families for the nine days of potential lost income should the shops be closed.

The demand and subsequent reaction have highlighted the ongoing tensions between political parties in the state, as well as the broader discourse on religious and economic freedoms.