Mumbaikars have a new party to vote for this BMC election and it might just give the powers to be a run for their money. As elections inch closer, the debate over pigeon feeding is now turning political — Jain religious leaders have announced the formation of a new party, the Shanti Doot Jan Kalyan Party (SDJKP).
The party symbol is a pigeon — “a symbol of peace,” said a religious leader from the Jain community. SDJKP is intended to contest upcoming elections with the agenda of protecting animals, and the issue of kabutarkhanas (pigeon shelters) is likely to be a major poll plank. In fact, the community leader issued an ultimatum to the government: “If the government fails to take a decision on the pigeon-feeding issue, we will start our protest and even contest elections.”
The announcement was made during a prayer meeting in Dadar for pigeons that have died since the BMC ordered the closure of kabutarkhanas. The gathering was attended by several religious leaders from the Jain community, who urged the government to reopen the feeding spots.
Some of the leaders claimed that the current regime is in power merely becaZuse of the Jain community’s support. “One cannot forget that the Gujarati and Marwari community are the highest tax payers and donors whenever there are any natural calamities or any other crisis,” said one. Another leader made a controversial statement: “If one person dies, it is OK. I feel that even doctors who endorse pigeon dropping are leading to health issues too are fools.”
‘High regard for community’
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “We have high regards for religious leaders of the Jain community. But, I am not aware of [what they have said], so I cannot comment on it.”
