Hindus Not Bound by Halal: Nitesh Rane’s Support on Malhar Certification.

Halal Not Hindu Way: Nitesh Rane Backs ‘Malhar Certification’ for Zhatka mutton. 

Ranesh Shinde | HENB | Mumbai | March 11, 2025:: Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has sparked controversy by supporting the Malhar certification as an alternative to Halal mutton for Hindus. Rane claims that Halal food is part of Islam, not Hinduism, and that the Malhar certification will provide Hindus with a legitimate alternative to neutralise the Halal pressure. .

The Malhar certification, launched by Rane on Monday, aims to ensure that mutton shops are run by Hindus and are free from adulteration. Rane has urged people to use the certification and boycott shops without it, stating that this will financially empower Hindu youth.

However, opposition leaders have slammed Rane’s statement, with Congress MLA Nana Patole arguing that a minister cannot make such divisive comments. BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay, on the other hand, has supported Rane’s statement, citing concerns about the harmful chemicals produced during the Halal process.

The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between different religious groups in India and raises questions about the role of government in promoting or regulating religious practices.

On Monday, Maharashtra Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitish Rane launched the ‘Malhar certification’ for Hindu meat traders.
Rane said this certification will help in accessing “rightful mutton shops” with a “100 per cent Hindu community” and without any adulteration for Zhatka mutton.

Taking to social media X, Rane wrote (originally  in Marathi), “Today we have taken a very important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. http://malharcertification.com has been launched on this occasion.”

“Through Malhar Certification, we will have access to our rightful mutton shops and there will be a 100 per cent Hindu community and the person selling will also be a Hindu. No adulteration will be found in the mutton anywhere,” he added.

Rane appealed to the people to use the certification and not buy mutton from places where the certification was not available. He also stated that the efforts would make the youth of the community financially empowered.

“I appeal to you to use Malhar certification as much as possible and in fact, not to buy mutton from places where Malhar certification is not available. These efforts will definitely make the youth of the Hindu community financially empowered,” the post further read.

Malhar Cerification virtually challenged the  Halal economy which has been a subject of controversy, with allegations that it undermines Hindu businesses and promotes jihadi terrorism.

Unfair Competition: Halal certification gives Muslim-owned businesses an unfair advantage, as many governments and institutions provide incentives and subsidies to Halal-certified companies. This, in turn, makes it difficult for Hindu-owned businesses to compete in the market.

Economic Jihad: The Halal economy is a form of economic Jihad that prioritizes Muslim interests over those of other communities. This can lead to economic segregation and undermine social cohesion.

Terrorism Financing: There are allegations that some Halal certification bodies have links to extremist organizations and that a portion of the certification fees are used to fund jihadi terrorism. However, it’s essential to note that these claims are not universally accepted and require further investigation.

Cultural and Religious Concerns: In fact the Halal economy is a form of cultural and religious imperialism, where Islamic principles are imposed on non-Muslim businesses and consumers. This undermines India’s pluralistic traditions and promotes a form of economic Islamization.
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_Agency Inputs.