Pune, March 13 -- A controversy over "Malhar certification" for Hindu meat traders, launched by Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane earlier this week, has snowballed into a major political row, with opposition leaders criticising the move as "a divisive attempt to polarise the state on religious lines".
The controversy erupted after state fisheries minister Rane on March 10 launched the platform - Malharcertification.com - an initiative started by a social group, Hindu Dalit Khatik Mahasangh, claiming it will "ensure access to 100% Hindu-owned mutton shops, free from adulteration".
Terming it as "a divisive attempt to polarise the state", NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad said, "Halal meat is lawful and scientifically justified. Globally, the te...