Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday urged Hindus not to eat halal meat but only consume 'jhatka' meat, the flesh of animals slaughtered by a single blow of the blade. Speaking inhis parliamentary constituency Begusarai, the BJP leader also made his supporters take the pledge that they will henceforth not spoil their 'dharma' by eating halal meat.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Singh said, "Sanatana Dharma has had 'bali pratha' (animal sacrifice) for ages. If Bakri Eid is in their religion, then Bali Pratha is in our religion. I have said that I respect my Muslim brothers. They are so committed to their religion that they only consume halal meat. To protect and respect your religion, I request that my Hindu brothers stop consuming halal meat and instead only consume jhatka meat. If you don’t get it, don’t eat, no matter how long you don’t get it."
Speaking to reporters on Sunday , Singh said, "I admire the Muslims who make it a point to consume only halal meat. Now Hindus should demonstrate a similar commitment to their own religious traditions," as quoted by news agency PTI. He further stated, "The Hindu way of slaughter is jhatka. Whenever Hindus perform 'bali' (animal sacrifice), they do so in a single stroke. As such, they must not corrupt themselves by eating halal meat. They must always stick to jhatka".
The Union Minister also emphasised on the need for a new business model in which there would be abattoirs and shops selling only jhatka meat.
Why such religious issues are brought up before elections: JMM MP Mahua Maji
On Union Minister Giriraj Singh's statement, 'Hindus should eat only 'jhatka' meat, JMM MP Mahua Maji said, "Who will eat what? Who is he to decide that? Everyone has their own interests. I don't know why such religious issues are brought up before elections. The country has so many issues; so many big scientists are working; there are people working in every field; things about them don't come in the media; and these petty things, which have no sense, arguing about them feel weird. How can educated people talk about such things?"