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Malhar Certification Controversy: ‘Malhar’ mutton can be seen as an extension of ‘jhatka’ meat, promoted as an initiative for Hindu consumers with a certification introduced by Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane exclusively for Hindu mutton traders.
Nitish Rane stated that Hindu shopkeepers selling ‘jhatka’ mutton would be granted ‘Malhar Certification’.
A newly-launched meat certification by Maharashtra government has been caught in the eye of the storm ever since Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane promoted the initiative as “100% Hindu-owned mutton shops, free from adulteration”. Rane stated that Hindu shopkeepers selling ‘jhatka’ mutton would be granted ‘Malhar Certification’, and urged Hindu consumers to purchase mutton exclusively from certified vendors.
The move has sparked sharp political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have alleged that the certification would divide the society, the BJP-led Maharashtra government has not officially backed the initiative amid concerns of government involvement in food choices.
Some even raised questions on the legitimacy of the certification. “If this is an official government scheme, why didn’t the chief minister launch it? Who exactly owns this certification company,” NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar asked, hinting at possible private interests behind the initiative.
Let us understand the controversy.
How Can A Mutton Certification Lead To Religious Divide?
Municipal and zilla parishad elections in Pune district are approaching. And there are fears that this issue could become a major political flashpoint, shaping the narrative of communal and cultural politics in Maharashtra.
The debate over food choices and religious identity has added another layer to the state’s already heated political climate.
• Controversy over anti-conversion law promise: Before the state elections last year, Bharatiya Janata Party’s anti-conversion law and no quota for minorities assurance has triggered members of the minority communities. Besides the Muslim residents, leaders from the Christian community advised members to vote in large numbers for “parties that respect the Constitution”.
A report in Times of India had quoted Cyril Dara, core member of a federation of NGOs named Samast Christi Samaj, as saying, “Christians are targeted by anti-conversion laws, which create an environment where conversion to a minority religion is very dangerous, and sharing the gospel can lead to persecution.”
• Haji Malang Dargah Controversy: A year ago, then Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde had stirred a by claiming that the tomb of an Arab missionary, who came to India more than 700 years ago, was a Hindu temple. Reports quoted Shinde as saying that he would “liberate” it.
• A recent report claimed that a Gram Sabha meeting held at Madhi village in Ahilyanagar’s Pathardi taluka misused signatures to pass a resolution to boycott Muslim traders who would gather at the Kanifnath shrine for the annual Madhi fair. The shrine is located 50 kilometres from Ahilyanagar (earlier called Ahmednagar). Over time, the Kanifnath shrine — an important place of worship for some nomadic communities — has acquired visual markers that claim it is a “Hindu” shrine.
What Is ‘Jhatka’ And ‘Halal’?
The latest controversy over ‘Malhar Certification’ has added another layer to existing controversies, with food choices being questioned. But it’s just not about food preference here. There’s a religious connection too.
The ‘Malhar Certification’ is for shopkeepers selling ‘jhatka’ mutton. In layman’s words, ‘jhatka’ (which means swift in Hindi) is a non-Islamic method, involving a single strike to the head to ensure immediate death of the animal. Reports suggest that people belonging to the Sikh community usually prefer this method.
Supporters of the Jhatka method argue that it is a more ethical practice, as the animal is killed instantly without prolonged suffering.
On the other hand, ‘halal’ refers to the Islamic method of slaughter with the slower bleeding method that claims to “drain all blood” from the animal.
Nitish Rane-promoted MalharCertification.com is a dedicated platform for ‘jhatka’ meat suppliers operated solely by Hindus from the Khatik community.
According to the website, the certified meat is “fresh, clean, free from saliva contamination” and not mixed with any other animal meat.
The website already mentions name and location of nearly 14 mutton shops in and around Pune.
Jhatka + Hindu = Malhar Mutton: Here’s What’s New
‘Malhar’ mutton can be seen as an extension of ‘jhatka’ meat, promoted as an initiative for Hindu consumers with a certification introduced by Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane exclusively for Hindu mutton traders.
The demand for non-Halal products has been growing, with recent changes such as Air India switching to non-Halal food for Hindu and Sikh passengers in November last year.
