"I Have Read Quran 3 Times”: Minister Nitesh Rane Launches ‘Chanda To Banda’ Campaign In Sindhudurg Against Halal, Pitches ‘Malhar Certification’ For Hindus

SINDHUDURG: Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has launched a fresh campaign “Chanda te Banda” (From Chanda to Banda) in Sindhudurg against Halal certification, urging the Hindu community to unite and support Malhar certification as an alternative.

What Rane Said:

 Formally started the Hindu Janjagruti Abhiyan in Sindhudurg.

Claimed he has read the Quran three times.

Said workers following Hindutva ideology have brought a good alternative for Hindu society.

“It has been forced for years that only Halal mutton should be eaten. Either eat Halal, or you have no other alternative. Eating Halal is not written in Hindu religion, it is written in Islam religion. Therefore, if someone is bringing a good alternative like this, then I am supporting them.”

Earlier on X he posted: “Today we have taken a very important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. http://malharcertification.com has been launched. Through Malhar Certification, we will get our rightful mutton shops, 100% Hindu community, the seller will also be Hindu. No adulteration anywhere.”

 Appealed: “Use Malhar certification as much as possible, and in fact, do not buy mutton from places where Malhar certification is not available. These efforts will make the youth of the Hindu community financially empowered.”

What Is Malhar Certification?

 Portal: malharcertification.com, described as “a certified platform for Jhatka mutton and chicken vendors”prepared “according to Hindu religious traditions.”

Meat is sourced exclusively through Hindu Khatik community vendors.

Assures customers: fresh, clean, free from saliva contamination and not mixed with any other animal meat.

Eligibility exclusively for Hindu-owned businesses, especially Khatik community. Must strictly follow jhatka method (animal killed instantly with single blow). Excludes halal vendors, non-Hindu owners, unregistered sellers.

Halal vs Jhatka:

Halal: Animal throat half-slit per Islamic guidelines, blood drained slowly.

Jhatka: Animal killed instantly with one strike to head, preferred by many Hindus and Sikhs as more ethical/less suffering.

Opposition Reaction:

Congress MLA Nana Patole:“A minister cannot talk like this. It gives message CM has no control. If any minister is inciting fight between two religions, then CM should take action.”

Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal accused BJP of “sinister plot to Talibanize Maharashtra” using Rane as front, dictating from whom people should buy meat.

BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay backed Rane, claiming chemicals produced during Halal are harmful, supported licence for shops.

Alt News fact-check has clarified Malhar certification is not a government initiative, but a private initiative launched March 10, 2025 at an event attended by Rane who promoted it.