Dy CM Sinha warns of strict action near schools, temples
February 24, 2026: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has warned of strict action against shops selling meat, fish and poultry near religious and educational institutions, saying such outlets hurt the “purity of sentiments” and may promote “violent tendencies” among children. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who holds the urban development portfolio in the Nitish Kumar government, said the enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring hygiene and social harmony. He clarified that the move is not against people’s food choices but against open sale of such items near temples and schools.
Officials said the provisions have existed for years under the Bihar Municipality Act, 2007, but enforcement has recently been intensified. The issue reportedly came to Sinha’s notice during a visit to Darbhanga, where he expressed concern over odour from roadside stalls. District authorities have since been directed to take corrective steps and ensure statewide compliance with existing norms.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including Bhai Virendra and Akhtarul Iman, who alleged political motives and questioned the timing ahead of festivals and elections. They argued that while rules on meat sale near schools and temples are not new, the rhetoric surrounding the crackdown raises concerns. Iman also called for the creation of proper slaughterhouses and designated retail spaces for small vendors, saying infrastructure gaps — not community targeting — should be addressed to maintain social harmony.