In a formal communication addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ram Kadam has submitted a request for the imposition of a temporary ban on the sale of alcohol and meat in the state on the occasion of the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir. Kadam, through his letter, urged the state leadership to approach the central government, seeking a prohibition on the sales of alcohol and meat specifically on January 22.
Highlighting the significance of the day, Kadam emphasized its "most auspicious" nature, linking it to the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya after five centuries. He described the day as a moment akin to "celebrating Diwali not just in Maharashtra but the entire country."
In the letter addressed to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the BJP MLA articulated, "On January 22, there is a consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. It is the most auspicious and holy day. I therefore request you to ban liquor and meat on that day. After 500 years, Ram temple is being built in Ayodhya. Many karsevak suffered for the Ram temple. Many were sent to jail. The day is like celebrating Diwali, not just in Maharashtra but the entire country is very auspicious."
"Keeping the holy day in mind, there should be a liquor ban and meat ban in Maharashtra. Also, request the central government to implement it in the entire country. Enforce an alcohol ban and a meat ban," stated Kadam's letter.
Scheduled to be inaugurated on January 22, with a limited number of invitees, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. The Supreme Court's 2019 decision acknowledged the unchallenged belief of Hindus regarding Lord Ram's birth at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, conducted by PM Modi in August 2020, marked the beginning of the construction of the Ram Mandir on a 10-acre plot of land.
