Rampurhat, Nov. 15 -- A decision by the Rampurhat Municipality in West Bengal's Birbhum district to temporarily close three meat shops during Chhath Puja on November 15 and 16 has triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties questioning the move and its implications for local cultural practices.
The circular, issued by the Trinamool Congress-run municipality and signed by Chairman Soumen Bhakat, directs the identified shops to remain closed on Sunday and Monday until 10 am. It also instructs vendors to keep cut meat covered with a red cloth on other days. Copies of the notice have been sent to the shop owners, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and the local police station.
The decision has drawn criticism from the CPM and Congre...