“The Country Belongs to Everyone, Not Just One Community”: ST Hasan Slams Demand to Shut Meat Shops During Navratri

As Sharadiya Navratri began on Monday, Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan strongly opposed demands to close meat shops during the nine-day festival. He asserted that India is not anyone’s personal property and no one has the right to impose food restrictions on others.

“India Belongs to All”

Speaking to the media, Hasan said:

“This country belongs to everyone. Not just Muslims, but even Christians and Sikhs consume non-veg. How can you stop anyone from eating it during Navratri or Kanwar Yatra? Who are you to decide eating habits?”

He further claimed that attempts were being made to deliberately polarize society on Hindu-Muslim lines for political gains, while emphasizing that equal rights should be ensured for all communities.

“Even Hindus Eat Meat”

Hasan highlighted that a large number of Hindus also consume non-vegetarian food.

• “Around 80% of Hindus eat meat. This is nothing new,” he said.

• He added that while Muslims may refrain from openly consuming non-veg during such times, they would store it at home: “They will keep it in their refrigerator and eat it internally, but not from outside.”

Demand to Ban Beef in Five-Star Hotels

Taking his criticism further, the SP leader demanded a ban on beef served at elite establishments.

“Why not ban beef in five-star hotels in Bombay, Delhi, or other metro cities? In some places, it’s about faith, in others, it’s about business. We are the world’s second-largest beef exporter. Exports happen from India, but here cow protection drama is staged. This hypocrisy should be exposed.”

Political Row Intensifies

With the start of Navratri, demands to shut down meat shops have surfaced in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, while BJP leaders in Delhi have also pressed for similar restrictions. Hasan alleged that such moves are politically motivated attempts to exploit religious sentiments.