After outrage, BJP neta’s school junks food curbs during Jain fest

BHAYANDER: Seven Square Academy, a CBSE school run by a trust belonging to the family of BJP MLA Narendra Mehta, on Thursday withdrew a controversial circular asking students not to bring food containing onion, garlic, potato, beetroot and other such vegetables during the Jain Paryushan festival.The circular, uploaded on the school’s online portal, had triggered strong opposition from parents, political parties and social organisations. The school had also stated that these food items would not be available in its canteen during the Paryushan period.The controversy intensified on Thursday after MNS Thane district president Avinash Jadhav visited the school and warned of an agitation if the circular was not withdrawn within 24 hours. The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti also said it would initiate legal proceedings seeking cancellation of the school’s recognition.Several organisations and parents had opposed the move, questioning the decision to impose food restrictions on students during a religious festival. State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik of the Shiv Sena also criticised Mehta, calling the move hypocrisy. Sarnaik questioned whether similar restrictions were imposed at Mehta’s clubs and hotels and took a dig at the BJP over the observance of Hindu fasting days.Following the backlash, the school removed the circular from its portal late on Thursday. The MNS and Marathi Ekikaran Samiti welcomed the decision.Mehta, meanwhile, sought to clarify that the circular was only an appeal to students and was not meant to be mandatory.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in MumbaiStay updated with the latest Mumbai news. Download the TOI App.