'Nation Within The Nation’: Row Erupts In Maharashtra Over 'Halal Lifestyle Township' Ad, NHRC Issues Notice To State Government

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Maharashtra government seeking a report on a controversial real estate project in Neral, around 100 km from Mumbai.

The project, so-called “Halal Lifestyle Township,” has sparked a political storm after its promotional video went viral on social media,

The video, shared by NHRC member and former National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, features a woman in a hijab promoting the township as an “authentic community living” space where "like-minded families" could raise children “safely in a Halal environment.”

It highlights facilities such as prayer spaces, community gatherings, and lifestyle amenities within walking distance.

"This is not advertisement but poison distribution. In the Karjat area near Mumbai, a township with halal lifestyle is being built exclusively for those of the Muslim faith. This is a Nation Within The Nation, and the Maharashtra government is being issued a notice," Kanoongo wrote on X.

The issue quickly escalated into a political flashpoint.

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) spokesperson Krishna Hegde objected to the advertisement, questioning its intent and calling for the video to be withdrawn.

He also urged the state government to launch an inquiry into the township’s marketing strategy.

BJP spokesperson Ajit Chavan went further, branding the project as part of a “Ghazwa-e-Hind” attempt.

He argued that such initiatives have no place in Mumbai or Maharashtra, terming it a direct challenge to the Constitution.

Chavan demanded strict action against the developers for allegedly promoting the township on religious lines.

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