Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Jain Monk Forms New Party to Contest BMC Polls Over Pigeon Feeding Ban
A Jain monk in Mumbai is starting a new political party because he's upset about a rule that stopped people from feeding pigeons.
He believes the government promised to fix this but hasn't.
So, he decided to create his own party to run in the local elections.
This way, he hopes to help the birds and animals that he feels can't speak for themselves.
He had even gone on a hunger strike before to get attention for his cause.
Now, his new party will try to get its own candidates elected, or support others who agree with him.
Jain monk Nileshchandra Vijay has formed a new political party, 'Jan Kalyan Party,' to contest the upcoming BMC elections.
The party's formation is a protest against the ban on pigeon feeding in Mumbai and the perceived failure of the government to address the issue.
The monk had previously staged a hunger strike after assurances from BJP leaders to find a solution within 15 days, which he claims have not been met.
The BMC had closed all 51 pigeon feeding shelters citing health concerns, leading to a politically charged dispute.
The new party aims to field its own candidates and support those who align with its ideology of protecting voiceless animals.
- Who
- Jain monk Nileshchandra Vijay and his followers
- What
- Announced the formation of a new political party, 'Jan Kalyan Party,' to contest the upcoming BMC elections in protest against a pigeon feeding ban and lack of government action.
- When
- Announced recently; the hunger strike was on November 3.
- Where
- Mumbai
- Why
- Protesting the ban on pigeon feeding and what he perceives as unfulfilled promises from BJP leaders regarding solutions.
Jain Monk's Stance
Government/BMC Stance
Pigeon Feeding
Jain Monk's Stance
Advocates for controlled pigeon feeding, protesting the ban and lack of action on promised solutions.
Government/BMC Stance
Banned feeding due to health concerns (respiratory illnesses from droppings/feathers) and is struggling to find operators for interim feeding locations.
Government Promises
Jain Monk's Stance
Accuses leaders of making fake promises and failing to follow through on solutions within the promised timeframe.
Government/BMC Stance
Made promises to find solutions for pigeon feeding, with a 15-day timeline given to the monk.
- New Political Party
- Jan Kalyan Party
- Founder
- Jain monk Nileshchandra Vijay
- Reason for Party Formation
- Protest against pigeon feeding ban and government's failure to provide solutions.
- Election Contest
- Upcoming BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) elections
- Previous Action
- Indefinite hunger strike on November 3 at Azad Maidan
- BMC Action on Pigeon Feeding
- Closed all 51 kabutarkhanas (pigeon shelters) in Mumbai on July 3.
- Government Officials Involved
- Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis