Meat ban orders on Independence Day spark political row, Owaisi leads opposition

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) directive to close slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15, terming it a violation of citizens’ rights.

In a post on X, Owaisi questioned the rationale behind the restriction, saying it was “callous and unconstitutional” and had no link to celebrating Independence Day. He argued that with 99% of Telangana’s population consuming meat, such bans infringe on people’s liberty, privacy, livelihood, cultural practices, nutrition, and religion. He said, "What’s the connection between eating meat and celebrating independence day? 99% of Telangana’s people eat meat. These meat bans violate people’s right to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition & religion."

The GHMC has ordered closures on August 15 for Independence Day and on August 16 for Janmashtami with the directive circulated to police commissioners in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda.