Narendra Mehta
Bhayander : A controversy erupted after Mira-Bhayander’s MLA Narendra Mehta said it was a city of Jains, while pointing out that along with him, the mayor and nine corporators hail from the community. “We did not allow a slaughterhouse to come up in Mira-Bhayander for the Jain community,” he said at a Jain community gathering in Thane on Wednesday. I do not compromise on Jain principles,” he said. Shiv Sena spokesperson Deep Kakade said he had sought votes from people of all communities and was elected by voters from all religions. I had no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments,” he said. He said his remarks were made at a religious programme and should not be interpreted differently.
He also doubled down on a ban imposed by a Mira Road school run by him during Paryushan last month on onion, garlic, beetroot and other root vegetables. “I did not withdraw the decision despite criticism. The civic education department recently served a notice to the school over the ban, stating that imposing dietary restrictions amounts to a violation of RTE Act , students’ rights and state govt rules. Mehta’s remarks drew criticism from opposition parties and organisations. Marathi Ekikaran Samiti president Govardhan Deshmukh demanded MLA’s resignation. MNS also condemned the statement and warned of a protest march. I respect all communities.
Facing intense criticism from political parties and social organisations, which pointed out that as an MLA, he represented people of all communities and religions, he apologised on Thursday.