Koraput Withdraws Republic Day Non-Veg Ban After Backlash
Koraput Withdraws Republic Day Non-Veg Ban After Backlash
Koraput district reverses its Republic Day ban on selling meat and other non-vegetarian items following widespread criticism from locals, traders, and political voices.
The Koraput district administration in Odisha withdrew its January 23 order banning the sale of non-vegetarian items on Republic Day, with the change taking effect immediately. The reversal comes after strong criticism from traders and residents who questioned the rationale behind restricting a national holiday.
The earlier directive was issued on the recommendation of the district-level Republic Day preparatory committee and tied to observing the occasion with uniformity. Some participants at a January 7 meeting backed the ban, citing Gandhian ideology and the importance of the national celebration.
Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka criticized the ban as arbitrary, unconstitutional, and exclusionary, arguing that it targets a tribal-dominated, culturally diverse district.
Collector Manoj Satyavan Mahajan defended the initial decision, saying it reflected discussions during the preparedness meeting; after reconsideration, the administration cancelled the directive.
The withdrawal is likely to be seen as a response to backlash and calls to respect constitutional freedoms.
