Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, Mayor Ritu Tawde, and other senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Mumbai on Monday wrote a letter to BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, urging the civic administration not to permit Bakrid animal sacrifice within housing complexes, cooperative societies, and chawls across the city.
Mumbai Municipal Corporation
Mayor Ritu Tavde
Standing Comittee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde
Group Leader Ganesh Khankar
Market Comittee Chairman Hetal Gala
&
Myself wrote/appeal toAshwini Bhide Municipal Commissioner
NOT to allow Bakrid Kurbani in Housing Complex,… pic.twitter.com/PRTGeDNKvl
— Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) May 25, 2026
Along with BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, Mayor Ritu Tawde, Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde, BJP Group Leader Ganesh Khankar, and Market Committee Chairman Hetal Gala also wrote a letter to the BMC Commissioner demanding a ban on slaughter in public areas.
While writing a letter to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the BJP leaders urged the civic authorities to arrange a proper facility for animal sacrifice (Qurbani) on Bakri Eid.
BJP leaders urge BMC to arrange proper facility for `Qurbani`
The letter to the BMC Commissioner mentioned, “There are more than 70 markets and designated slaughtering places/shops in Mumbai where Bakri Eid-related sacrifice can be carried out. However, carrying out Bakri sacrifice in housing societies, chawls, and residential complexes creates practical difficulties for the municipal corporation, particularly in terms of management, sanitation, and cleanliness.”
The leaders stated that allowing such activities in densely populated residential areas could raise sanitation and public health concerns, as well as cause inconvenience to other residents. They urged the civic body to issue clear guidelines and take preventive measures well in advance of the festival.
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya noted, “No animal sacrifice (Qurbani) for Bakri Eid shall be permitted in any residential complex, housing society, or chawl, and clear instructions to this effect should be issued to all concerned officials.”
VIDEO | Mumbai: BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh questions action against goat traders in Mira-Bhayandar and seeks clear transport rules from the Maharashtra government. He says, “Why are vehicles carrying goats being stopped?”
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/ugIKx8i3Tp
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 25, 2026
“I have also requested the Hon’ble Mayor, Hon’ble Group Leader, and Hon’ble Standing Committee Chairman that the municipal corporation should prohibit such sacrifice activities in residential complexes, housing societies, and chawls in the name of religious observance.” Kirit Somaiya added.
Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most significant festivals observed by Muslims and involves the ritual sacrifice of animals. In Mumbai, civic authorities usually issue detailed guidelines every year regarding designated slaughter zones, waste disposal, and hygiene protocols during the festival.
The BMC is yet to officially respond to the BJP leaders’ representation. However, officials are expected to review the matter as part of the civic body’s annual preparations for the upcoming festival.
