Mumbai, May 28 -- In the wake of escalating confrontations over qurbani in parts of Mumbai's western suburbs, including Mira Road, Ghatkopar, and Goregaon, union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Thursday rebuked the BJP and right-wing groups for their aggressive campaign against goat sacrifice in public places.
Athawale, president of the Republican Party of India (A) - an ally of the ruling coalition at both the Centre and in Maharashtra - appealed to the BJP and its affiliates to exercise restraint and patience.
He emphasized that animal sacrifice is an integral part of Bakrid observances and must be respected. Underscoring the need for communal harmony, Athawale noted that Hindus and Muslims have coexisted peacefully in villages across India...