New Delhi: A few days after South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) passed a proposal banning restaurants from displaying non-vegetarian food openly at their establishments, the Congress came down heavily on the decision and questioned the need for the blanket ban, said media reports. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the other hand took a more cautious path.
The proposal was brought in the SDMC House in its recent meeting, which approved it, Leader of House Shikha Rai told a news agency. She said hygiene and “sentiments of people affected by the sight” of meat were the main reasons behind the move.
Abhishek Dutt, Congress councillor and leader of his party in the SDMC house, described the move as interference in people’s personal lives.
“This is an interference of people’s personal lives. Just because the BJP has majority in the house they cannot make such dictatorial decisions. If it’s related to hygiene they should challan those flouting rules. What is the need for bringing in such a blanket ban?” he said.
Dutt said the Congress had opposed the move, but due to BJPs majority in the House the proposal went forward. AAP reacted cautiously to the move.
Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj, a party spokesperson, said the proposal should be discussed. “AAP councillors will share their views on the matter,” he said.
Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Delhi BJP spokesperson, said that it is a measure from the public health angle and maintained that there will no be curbs on the sale of non-vegetarian food.
“Till now, it is a proposal in SDMC. The display of food outside the shop often creates nausea for passersby. It is a measure being proposed from a public health angle. However, there will be no curb on the sale of non-vegetarian food,” Kapoor said.
South Delhi is home to several eateries and restaurants selling meat products in places such as Hauz Khas, New Friends Colony, Kamal Cinema in Safdarjung Green Park, Amar Colony Market near Lajpat Nagar.
