Muslim groups cite the closure of meat shops during Sawan as the issue draws sharp political reaction
AMROHA/NEW DELHI — A fresh debate has emerged from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi after Muslim organisations called for liquor shops to be closed during the holy month of Ramadan.
The demand gathered attention in Amroha, where the Farooq Educational Society appealed to the government to keep liquor shops shut throughout Ramadan. The proposal has been welcomed by several Muslim groups, while some leaders linked to the BJP and Hindu organisations have strongly opposed it.
Haji Khurshid Anwar, a leader associated with a local Muslim committee, supported the demand and drew a comparison with past restrictions during Hindu religious months.
“When meat shops can be closed during the month of Sawan, why can liquor shops not be closed during Ramadan?” he asked. “Our request is simple. The entire month of Ramadan should be respected.”
In recent years, during periods such as Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami, Mahashivratri and Sawan, there have been demands in several states for a temporary closure of meat shops. In some places, shops were reportedly shut following pressure from local groups.
The latest appeal argues that if such measures are taken for one community’s religious observances, similar consideration should be shown during Ramadan.
In Delhi, AIMIM’s Delhi unit president Shoaib Jamai also raised the issue on the social media platform X.
“We appeal to the Delhi government that during the holy month of Ramadan, all liquor shops in Delhi should be closed,” he wrote. “There should be a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places. If you seek respect by closing non-vegetarian shops during Sawan, you must also respect our holy month.”
His statement has added momentum to the debate beyond Uttar Pradesh.
The demand has, however, met with resistance from some Hindu leaders.
BJP leader Manish Kumar Daksh said, “Many Muslims also consume alcohol. If someone wants to follow religious teachings strictly, they should first address issues within their own community.”
He added that any such decision should not be made under pressure.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Hemant Saraswat also reacted, saying, “If such logic is applied, then not only liquor shops but even meat shops should be closed during Ramadan.”
During the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday, Muslims observe daily fasting from dawn to sunset, offer additional prayers and increase charitable activities.
The month is regarded as a time of prayer, discipline and generosity. Iftar gatherings, charity to the poor and nightly Taraweeh prayers form part of the observance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on X, writing, “Ramadan Mubarak. May this month strengthen the spirit of unity in our society. May there be peace and prosperity everywhere.”
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also conveyed his wishes, stating, “Ramadan Mubarak. May this month bring peace, happiness and good health to all.”
At present, there is no official announcement from any state government regarding a ban on liquor sales during Ramadan. Any decision would require administrative approval and, in some cases, changes to the excise policy.
The issue has opened a wider discussion on how governments respond to religious sensitivities across communities. For now, it remains a matter of political debate rather than policy.
