Mumbai, March 12 -- Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has voiced support for the Malhar certification as an alternative to Halal mutton for Hindus, stating that Halal food is part of Islam, not Hinduism.

"The workers following Hindutva ideology have come together and brought a good alternative to Mutton for the Hindu society for their rights. It has been forced for years that only Halal mutton should be eaten. Either eat Halal, or you have no other alternative. We have brought a good alternative for it. Eating Halal is not written in Hindu religion, it is written in Islam religion. Therefore, if someone is bringing a good alternative like this, then I am supporting them," Rane said on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, opposition leaders slammed Mahar...