The recent indication by Karnataka Congress Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh that the anti-cow slaughter legislation would be withdrawn has ignited a fierce political battle in Karnataka. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its intention to hold a state-wide protest against the Congress government on Monday and Tuesday in response to this development.
It is worth noting that the anti-cow slaughter legislation was a key priority for the previous BJP administration as it aligned with its core ideology. The Congress government’s statement that they intend to withdraw the legislation has upset the BJP, which suffered a defeat in the recent Karnataka Assembly polls.
“We will not allow the Congress government to withdraw the anti-cow slaughter legislation. We will stage a protest across the state on Monday and in Bengaluru on Tuesday against such a move,” declared N. Ravikumar, the BJP State General Secretary and MLC, in an interview with The Hindu. He further warned, “We will intensify our agitation if the government does not change its plans.”
In addition to opposing the withdrawal of the anti-cow slaughter legislation, the BJP’s two-day protest will also address the government’s decision to impose a ceiling on free power supply based on the average yearly consumption of households. Ravikumar criticized this move, considering it an attempt to deceive voters, and stated that the party’s protest would cover these concerns as well.
Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai also expressed his disagreement with the Animal Husbandry Minister’s remarks questioning the slaughter of old cows. In a series of tweets, he emphasized the emotional bond people have with cows and their significance in religious worship.
He questioned how anyone could advocate for their slaughter and suggested that the Minister may be making such statements to secure a portfolio change from the Chief Minister. Alternatively, Bommai suggested that the Minister should be advised to rectify his approach to his duties. He reminded everyone that cow slaughter was initially opposed by Mahatma Gandhi.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and Minister Vinay Kulkarni, a prominent dairy farmer in the state, has voiced his opposition to the anti-cow slaughter legislation and emphasized the need for its withdrawal. Kulkarni criticized BJP leaders, claiming they merely pay lip service to cows without truly understanding the intricacies of rearing them. He raised concerns about the fate of male calves from HF breeds, which are deemed useless to farmers.
The announcement of the potential withdrawal of the anti-cow slaughter legislation by the Animal Husbandry Minister has sparked a heated political debate in Karnataka. The BJP is gearing up for a state-wide protest, determined to prevent the legislation’s reversal.
On the other side, Congress leaders argue for its withdrawal, highlighting the complexities of cow rearing and the practical challenges faced by farmers. As the political slugfest intensifies, the fate of the anti-cow slaughter legislation hangs in the balance.
