BENGALURU: Following the Hijab issue, a controversy has erupted with some right-wing activists seeking a ban on Muslim vendors near temples during the Hindu religious fairs in various parts of Karnataka. Following this, the BJP is bringing halal food back into the discussion. BJP leader CT Ravi has alleged that halal food should be boycotted and that halal was an economic jehad.

He added that halal had been designed in a planned way so that the products should be purchased only from Muslims and not others.

“Halal is an economic Jehad. It means that it is used like a Jehad so that Muslims should not do business with others. It has been imposed. When they think that Halal meat should be used, what is wrong in saying that it should not be used?” Ravi said.

Meanwhile, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy alleged that the BJP was raising such issues in the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections. "The government has a responsibility to protect not only one community but also the 6.5 crore people of the state. The BJP is demanding such bans ahead of the Assembly elections," Kumaraswamy said.