Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday slammed environmentalists and animal rights activists by questioning why they had not made appeals for a celebration of "virtual" Bakri Eid, reported news agency PTI.

He accused them of being "selective" in their approach by only targeting Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali.

"Some people advise us not to use firecrackers or colours during our festivals citing environmental concerns. Where have they gone now? Why is there no call for a virtual celebration (not involving animal sacrifice) of Bakri Eid? Where are those animal lovers who appeal for virtual celebrations of festivals like Holi or Diwali," he asked.