'Govt Can't Do Anything...': Karnataka Minister BC Nagesh Says As Groups Call For Halal Meat Boycott

Karnataka Minister attempts to put an end to the halal meat controversy, over calls to boycott consumption of halal meat given by right-wing Hindu outfits

New Delhi: In an attempt to put an end to the halal meat controversy, over calls to boycott consumption of halal meat given by right-wing Hindu outfits, Karnataka Education Minister BC Nagesh on Wednesday said that the government cannot do anything about it.

"There's nothing that government can do in the matter of Halal meat. It's a religious practice and some people believe in it. Halal is not the subject that comes under the purview of the government," said Karnataka Education Minister BC Nagesh as quoted by news agency ANI.

Earlier on Tuesday, BJP National General Secretary CT Ravi fuelled the controversy by saying Halal is an economic jehad. The BJP leader's controversial remarks came days after banning Muslim vendors around temples during the Hindu religious fairs in parts of Karnataka.

"It means that it is used like a Jehad so that Muslims should not do business with others. It has been imposed. When they think that Halal meat should be used, what is wrong in saying that it should not be used," news agency PTI quoted the BJP leader as saying.