Mumbai Housing Row Over Food Habits Escalates; MNS Files Police Complaint, Thackeray Sena Protests
Mumbai, 14th August 2026: A fresh controversy has erupted in Mumbai over alleged discrimination in housing transactions based on food habits. The issue came to light after an advertisement circulated on social media reportedly stated that people who eat non-vegetarian food should not purchase a flat. The controversy has now taken a political turn, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) approaching the police and the Shiv Sena (UBT) strongly opposing the alleged discrimination.
MNS divisional president Dinesh Punde has written to the senior police inspector of Tardeo Police Station seeking action against the estate agent allegedly responsible for the advertisement. According to the complaint, an advertisement for a flat in a building in the Tardeo area stated that the property would be sold only to vegetarian residents.
The issue drew strong criticism from former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar, who held a press conference and condemned the alleged practice. She said refusing to sell or rent a house to an individual or family based on their food preferences amounts to discrimination and is against Mumbai’s inclusive and diverse culture.
Pednekar also alleged that attempts were being made to create divisions within society based on food habits. Referring to the changing identity of parts of Mumbai, she said the city’s traditional character should not be altered through such divisions.
BJP Takes Cautious Stand
The BJP has adopted a cautious position on the controversy. BJP corporator Navnath Ban said housing societies have their own rules and that there should be no unnecessary interference in their internal matters. However, he also said it was unfortunate that disputes were arising over issues such as food preferences.
The controversy has once again brought the issue of discrimination in Mumbai’s housing sector into focus, particularly over whether food habits should influence a person’s eligibility to buy or occupy a home.
