After Shiv Sena quip, BJP seeks debate on ‘eco-friendly’ Id

After the BJP government in Harayana faced flak for checking biryanis in the Muslim-dominated Mewat district for beef ahead of Id, the party pitched for a debate on Monday about the “eco-friendly” way to observing the festival.

The move came after BJP ally Shiv Sena created controversy by “sarcastically” appealing to Muslims to celebrate an “eco-friendly” Id. The Sena was reacting to suggestions about celebrating an “eco-friendly” Ganesh Chaturthi. Muslims across the world sacrifice animals for the Id feast.

Responding to a question on whether Id al-Adha should be observed in an “eco-friendly” way, as is the case with some other festivals, BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said that there should be a debate over it. “The way we are becoming more eco-friendly, the way a campaign in this regard is going on in the country and the world... It is a matter of debate, and there should be a debate over it. It will be good if the intelligentsia in the country discusses it,” he said.

The BJP suggested that there can be a discussion on whether there should be eco-friendly Eid or not.

“There is freedom of expression in our country and people have a right to express their different opinions... But, yes, there should be a debate over it,” said the BJP leader.