Meat shops shut in Bengaluru's Anekal ahead of Modi's visit, Congress govt faces criticism

Meat shops in parts of Bengaluru's Anekal taluk were ordered shut for more than a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Friday, November 13, triggering criticism from political groups and social media users.

The Bengaluru Urban district administration cited security concerns and the possibility of law and order disruptions while imposing the restriction. It also banned liquor sales in the affected areas.

The order, issued on November 10 by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate P S Kantharaju, prohibits meat sales within the limits of Jigani Town Municipal Council and Kallubalu Gram Panchayat.

The restriction came into effect at 6 am on November 12 and remained in force until 4 pm on November 13. The administration invoked Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a request from Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police Chandrakanth MV.

Police cited security arrangements for PM Modi and other Central and state dignitaries attending the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram, organised by the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA).

The police said “there was a possibility of anti-social elements or miscreants disrupting law and order” during the visit.

The CPI(ML) Liberation condemned the restrictions, calling them an infringement of constitutional rights, including personal liberty, freedom of religion and the right to choose one's food and livelihood.

The party also criticised the Congress government in Karnataka, alleging that the order reflected attempts to impose what it described as a “Brahminical dietary code” on religious minorities, Dalits and Adivasis. It demanded the withdrawal of the order.

The restriction also drew criticism on social media, with users questioning whether meat consumption was being treated as a threat to law and order.