PATNA, Feb. 18 -- The Bihar government has banned the sale of meat in open spaces across the state, deputy chief minister Vijay Sinha has announced in the Legislative Council. He said the decision was taken in view of people's religious sentiments. The government also decided not to levy tax on hearses by the urban development and housing department and the revenue and land reforms department, Sinha said. The deputy CM said he made both the announcements during the budget session while replying to members' issues. "This is a sensitive government and will not allow the religious sentiments of people to be hurt in any way. Open sale of meat will not be allowed anywhere in the state," Sinha said, warning action against violators. The minister added that the open sale of meat has already stopped in Darbhanga. Meanwhile, RJD state spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan said, "The decision looks more like an attempt to implement the Uttar Pradesh model of governance where the BJP government had put similiar restrictions."...