On the auspicious day of Janmastami on Monday, the UP government spearheaded by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that meat and liquor trade will be banned in Mathura. The decision has been taken in tow with the requests made by people of the Braj region who want to keep the Braj area free of meat and liquor.

After the announcement was made official, a full debate has been stirred up on social media. Some people are concerned that meat is an essential food item for a lot of people in that area so the choices of consumption will obviously be affected.

Muslims are around 18% of Mathura’s population, and Dalits 20%. In other words at least around 40% of the population there eats meat. There are also meat eaters among other caste groups.

How can Yogi attack their right to eat the food of their choice?https://t.co/BdicMEavFg

— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) August 31, 2021

Yogi bans meat from Mathura. Booze, I can understand a bit, but meat?

Who is he to pass Talibani Orders and dictate the food habits of an entire population?

He could have renamed mutton as muttor and chicken as Chiwda.#Mathura #Meat #YogiAdityanath #UP #6सितंबर_चलो_लखनऊ https://t.co/qzsLx57ANn

— †hê Hå†êlï (@TheHateli) August 31, 2021

If #YogiAdityanath doesn't Consume liquor and Eat meat,
That doesn't mean he should ban , Misuse of the Government Power, People of Mathura should knock door of #SupremeCourtOfIndia & High Court
this is Not acceptable

— Pranav Shinde (@ThePranavShinde) August 31, 2021

However, a lot of people have welcomed this new change and are thanking Yogi Ji for supporting the requests of the people and making this big decision.

Thank You CM #YogiAdityanath Ji for banning liquor and meat trade in Mathura.

Millions of #Brijwasi and Braj Premi's from across the world are very happy with the decision. @myogiadityanath @shalabhmani #YogiAdityanath pic.twitter.com/vL1FQVru4V

— Rao Hariom Yadav (@yadav__001) August 31, 2021

Happy #KrishnaJanmashtami

Great Decision Taken by #UttarPradesh CM #YogiAdityanath

Liquor & Meat should not be consumed in the Holiest Place of Mathura , The birthplace of Lord Krishna pic.twitter.com/i7YWe2mVt4

— Dr. Vishal Garg (@DrVishalGarg3) August 31, 2021

Thank You CM #YogiAdityanath Ji for banning liquor and meat trade in Mathura.

Millions of #Brijwasi and Braj Premi's from across the world are very happy with the decision. @myogiadityanath @shalabhmani

— khemchand sharma #Brajwasi #RadheRadhe (@SharmaKhemchand) August 31, 2021 

Yogi Ji also suggested that traders could look at the option of selling milk to increase the glory of Mathura and prayed at the festival celebrations for the Coronavirus to end. While his decision to ban these items are primarily to protect the cultural heritage and the history attached to the holy region of Braj, natives and residents of the area and the state share mixed opinions on taking such a big decision that will not just affect the lifestyle of so many people, but will alter the way of livelihood for some as well. 

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