‘Malhar Certificate’ for Hindu-Only Mutton Shops: Nitesh Rane’s Announcement Sparks Controversy
Mumbai, 11th March 2025: Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane has announced a new certification system called the Malhar Certificate, aimed at establishing Hindu-only mutton shops. These outlets will be 100% Hindu-operated and will exclusively sell Jhatka mutton. Rane has urged Hindus to buy mutton only from these certified shops, reigniting the Jhatka vs. Halal debate and sparking political reactions.
In his statement, Rane said, “We have taken an important step for the Hindu community of Maharashtra by introducing the Malhar Jhatka Certificate. Through this initiative, Hindus will have access to mutton shops selling Jhatka meat specifically for them. We will provide Malhar Jhatka certificates to Hindu-only mutton shops, ensuring they sell only Jhatka mutton. Shops can register on the Malhar Certification website, and through this, dedicated Hindu mutton shops will be made available for Hindus.”
Following Rane’s announcement, opposition leaders have criticized the move, calling it divisive.
AIMIM leader and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel questioned the need for such a certification, saying, “I want to ask Nitesh Rane—if you want to eat mutton, kebabs, and biryani, then why are you getting into this trouble of mutton politics?”
Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad responded sarcastically, stating, “Have you ever seen mutton shops named Jai Maharashtra, Jai Hind, or Jai Malhar in large numbers? I have come across just two or three such shops recently. But if a minister is now going to dictate where we should buy mutton from, then that minister must be truly ‘great’.”
The Malhar Certification website has been introduced as a platform for Jhatka mutton and chicken vendors. The initiative aims to ensure that meat is sourced exclusively from vendors belonging to the Hindu Khatik community.
The announcement has stirred debates over religious and commercial implications, with further political responses expected in the coming days.
