The Maharashtra government is likely to modify a controversial circular issued by the Maharashtra Goseva Ayog that had directed all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across the state to halt livestock markets from June 3 to 8, just ahead of Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakri Eid.

The decision comes after strong objections from Opposition MLAs who met Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday to protest the move, calling it discriminatory and disruptive to religious and economic practices.

The circular, dated May 27, had instructed APMCs not to conduct livestock markets during the specified period, citing regulatory and health concerns. The directive sparked outrage from traders and political parties who argued that it would severely affect the sale and transport of animals, which traditionally peaks during the days leading up to Bakri Eid.

Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Sheikh, who attended a meeting with Fadnavis along with other MLAs from various parties, said the issue of the circular was one of the first matters raised. Sheikh claimed that the animal husbandry secretary informed them during the meeting that the circular has been withdrawn.

However, the Maharashtra Goseva Ayog, which had originally issued the directive, denied that the circular has been officially withdrawn, stating that no revised communication has been issued till date. An Ayog official said that any modification or withdrawal would be issued in writing and officially notified.

The confusion between statements made by political leaders and the Ayog has led to uncertainty on whether animal trading can go ahead without legal repercussions. The issue is particularly sensitive, as livestock trade is crucial during the days leading up to Bakri Eid, which falls on June 17 this year.

Sources within the state administration suggest that while the circular may not have been formally rescinded, the government is actively considering modifying it to allow regulated animal markets with proper veterinary and administrative oversight, rather than enforcing a complete ban.

Opposition leaders, including MLAs from Congress, NCP, and Samajwadi Party, accused the BJP-led state government of trying to curtail religious freedoms and hurting the economic interests of farmers, traders, and minority communities.

MLA Rais Sheikh told reporters that the original circular was not just arbitrary but insensitive, especially when preparations for Bakri Eid were already underway across Maharashtra. He said thousands of families are dependent on livestock trading during this period, and any blanket restrictions would be economically disastrous.

He also emphasised that the animal husbandry department must coordinate with local bodies to implement health and hygiene checks, rather than disrupt entire markets.

Several livestock traders and APMC members in districts like Aurangabad, Nashik, Thane, and Mumbai suburbs expressed relief over the government's apparent willingness to review the order. Many had reported confusion and even the cancellation of planned livestock fairs due to fears of action by authorities.

Leaders from Muslim organisations in the state welcomed the opposition MLAs' efforts and urged the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to issue a clear directive permitting regulated animal markets during the festival season.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the original circular, saying it was issued to ensure public health safety, prevent overcrowding, and uphold animal welfare norms. They stressed that the intent was not to target any specific community.

Political analysts see the episode as another flashpoint ahead of the Assembly elections, with minority rights, religious freedoms, and farmer issues becoming central talking points for opposition parties in the state.

A clarified and possibly revised circular is expected to be issued in the coming days, potentially with clear conditions for market operations such as mandatory veterinary checks, cleanliness protocols, and administrative permissions for livestock fairs.

Until then, livestock market operators and traders remain on standby, awaiting final confirmation on whether animal trading for Bakri Eid will proceed without interruptions or face new conditions from the authorities.

This incident marks another example of the delicate balance between regulatory governance and cultural-religious sensitivities, especially in a diverse state like Maharashtra during major religious festivals

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