Restrictions and warnings ahead of Eidul Azha in India have sparked criticism and reignited debates over minority rights and the nation’s secular identity.
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued warnings regarding cow, calf, and camel sacrifices for Eidul Azha. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also cautioned against violations related to Eid prayers before the religious festival. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami warned against religious activities on roads ahead of Eidul Azha.
The Calcutta High Court ruled that cow sacrifice is neither essential for Eidul Azha nor a mandatory religious obligation in Islam. Hindu traders in West Bengal, where restrictions on sacrificial animals were imposed by the BJP government, staged protests against these measures.
International analysts argue that the extremist policies and ideology associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party have heightened tensions involving minorities and contributed to growing internal divisions within the country.