New Delhi, March 11 (IANS): The issue of banning beef in Maharashtra was raised in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, with some members saying it affects the social fabric of the nation.

Raising the issue during zero hour, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said the government in Maharashtra has banned the "poor man's protein".

"The poor man's protein, beef, has been banned in Maharashtra. The ban on beef will affect farmers because in Maharashtra there is 61 percent shortage of mutton," O'Brien said.

"It is an economic issue, the prices of fish, mutton and chicken will go up. Sick and old cattle will not be slaughtered and farmers will be affected," he added.

The Trinamool Congress leader said it also affects the social fabric of the country as it takes away personal freedom.

"By doing this, the social fabric of this country is being changed. We are a great democracy. If you go to Dubai or Bahrain where a certain meat is not allowed, you can still buy that meat. It is my personal liberty what I want to eat in the privacy of my home," he said.

Janata Dal United leader Sharad Yadav and some other members joined him, as members from the treasury benches protested.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it is a sensitive issue and a debate should not be allowed.

"It is very sensitive issue... don't allow debate on it," Naqvi urged the chair.

"We are against it... the nation calls it 'gau mata'," he said.