Meat-eaters a security threat? Bengaluru’s Anekal meat shops shut ahead of Modi’s visit

Meat shops in parts of Bengaluru’s Anekal taluk will remain shut for over a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the area on November 13, with the district administration invoking prohibitory powers under the BNSS citing security concerns.

The order, issued on November 10 by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate P S Kantharaju, prohibits the sale of meat within the limits of Jigani Town Municipal Council (TMC) and Kallubalu Gram Panchayat in Anekal taluk.

The restriction came into effect at 6 am on Thursday, November 12, and will remain in force until 4 pm on Friday, November 13.

The administration invoked Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a request from the Bengaluru Rural District Superintendent of Police Chandrakanth MV. The police cited security arrangements for Modi and other Central and state dignitaries attending the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram in Anekal.

The event is being organised by the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA). The police said “there was a possibility of anti-social elements or miscreants disrupting law and order” during the Prime Minister's visit.

The administration said the restriction was a precautionary measure to maintain public peace during the event.

The order has drawn criticism from the CPI(ML) Liberation, which condemned the temporary ban on meat and liquor sales, calling it an assault on constitutional rights.

In a statement, the party said the order infringed on people's rights to personal liberty, freedom of religion and conscience, and the freedom to choose their food and livelihood.

The party also criticised the Congress government in Karnataka, questioning why such an order had been issued under a government that claims to uphold constitutional freedoms and oppose the Sangh Parivar.

CPI(ML) Liberation alleged that the restriction was an extension of what it described as attempts to impose a Brahminical dietary code on religious minorities, Dalits and Adivasis. It demanded the immediate withdrawal of the order.

Meanwhile, Modi on Friday, November 13, inaugurated the 7.5-km elevated section of the Namma Metro Pink Line, built at a cost of around Rs 3,470 crore. He and Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were present at the inauguration.