📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ganesh Dhamodkar from Nagpur, India
Education
Shiv Sena backlash forces Maharashtra school to reverse onion‑garlic ban
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 04:36 AM
👁 36
After facing strong opposition from Shiv Sena, a school in Maharashtra withdrew its decision to ban onion and garlic from its meals.
A Maharashtra school recently announced a policy that would exclude onion and garlic from its cafeteria menu, citing health or cultural reasons. The decision sparked immediate criticism from Shiv Sena leaders, who argued that the move interfered with personal dietary choices and traditional cuisine.
The political party mobilised its supporters, staging protests outside the school and raising the issue in local media. Under growing pressure, the school administration convened an emergency meeting to reassess the policy.
Within days, the school announced a reversal, stating that the onion and garlic ban would not be implemented. Officials said the change was made to maintain harmony among students, parents, and the community while respecting diverse viewpoints.
The episode highlights how regional political sentiments can influence educational institutions' decisions, especially when cultural food practices are involved.
The political party mobilised its supporters, staging protests outside the school and raising the issue in local media. Under growing pressure, the school administration convened an emergency meeting to reassess the policy.
Within days, the school announced a reversal, stating that the onion and garlic ban would not be implemented. Officials said the change was made to maintain harmony among students, parents, and the community while respecting diverse viewpoints.
The episode highlights how regional political sentiments can influence educational institutions' decisions, especially when cultural food practices are involved.