Kolkata, Nov 14 (IANS) The Rampurhat Municipality in West Bengal’s Birbhum district has issued a directive ordering roadside meat shops to remain closed for two days on the occasion of Chhath Puja, triggering resentment among local traders and sparking a political controversy.
According to civic officials on Saturday, the notice, bearing the signature and official stamp of the Rampurhat Municipality Chairman, was issued on Friday to three meat shops situated in a row along the roadside in the town’s Court Lane area.
“This is to inform you on behalf of Rampurhat Municipality that shops will be closed on Sunday and Monday (November 15 and 16, 2026) on the occasion of Chhath Puja,” the notice stated.
It also instructed shopkeepers that on all other days, slaughtered animals such as goats and sheep displayed for sale must remain covered with a red cloth.
Local meat traders expressed concern over financial losses, noting that Chhath Puja has been observed peacefully in the town for years without any prior closure orders.
“Sunday is a holiday, and our sales are much higher compared to other days. Keeping shops closed on Sunday will cause us losses,” a Rampurhat meat shopkeeper said.
“We also supply meat to a restaurant and have regular Sunday customers. Had they asked us to work with curtains drawn or shutters down, there would have been no loss. However, since the municipality and administration have issued the order, we have to obey.”
The directive has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress, which accused the civic body of playing divisive politics. Former Congress MLA Milton Rashid alleged that the municipality’s Trinamool Congress chairman issued the order to curry favour with the BJP.
“After the elections, most councillors are maintaining ties with the BJP to protect their positions. This is the first time the municipal chairman has issued such an order to get closer to the BJP government. People here celebrate every festival together; this is simply part of the politics of division,” Rashid alleged.
Defending the move, Rampurhat Municipality Chairman Soumen Bhakat clarified that the directive applies strictly to the three roadside shops where meat is slaughtered and cut in public view along a route used by fasting devotees.
“Meat is cut in the open at those shops. That is why they have been ordered to close for the two days of Chhath Puja. This decision has been taken to respect everyone’s sentiments,” Bhakat said.
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, state BJP chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar said, “If they think these are unimportant matters, they should go to court. The doors of the court are open to everyone.”
–IANS
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