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BJP questions Congress’ stance on cow slaughter as Karnataka considers revisiting ban

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Tuesday, demanding clarity on whether the party intends to commence its term in Karnataka by endorsing cow slaughter. The issue arose following suggestions that the state government might reconsider the existing law prohibiting cow slaughter. Parshottam Rupala, BJP leader and Union Minister […]

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Tuesday, demanding clarity on whether the party intends to commence its term in Karnataka by endorsing cow slaughter. The issue arose following suggestions that the state government might reconsider the existing law prohibiting cow slaughter.
Parshottam Rupala, BJP leader and Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, called upon Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Sonia Gandhi to express their views on the matter. Rupala posed the question during a BJP press conference, where he also highlighted the achievements of the Modi government.
“Do they (Congress) want their government to start its tenure with cow slaughter?” Rupala inquired, urging Kharge and Gandhi to clarify their position.
Karnataka’s Animal Husbandry Minister, K Venkatesh, recently hinted at the possibility of revisiting the state’s anti-cow-slaughter law. When asked about this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the Cabinet would discuss the matter before making a decision.
Rupala emphasised that once the ruling party in Karnataka takes a definitive stance, the central government would take note of the issue. He further asserted that this development has shed light on the Congress’ mindset.
Commending the central government’s endeavours in his sector, Rupala highlighted the significant financial investments made. He revealed that the total expenditure on fisheries between Independence and 2014 amounted to Rs 3,860 crore. However, the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ alone has been allocated a budget of Rs 20,500 crore, with an additional Rs 8,000 crore fund to address infrastructure gaps and stimulate the coastal industry.
Rupala credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his foresight in establishing a separate ministry for this purpose. He emphasised that animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries serve as the backbone of the rural economy.
Furthermore, Rupala praised the central government’s introduction of mobile veterinary units and its support to states by funding 60% of recurring costs. He also lauded the government’s nationwide bovine vaccination program, which has played a crucial role in eradicating several diseases.
The Union Minister expressed pride in the government’s transparent transfer of funds directly to panchayats, acknowledging its positive impact on governance at the grassroots level.
In a separate incident, police have arrested four suspected cattle traffickers who were transporting four cows for slaughter. The accused individuals had allegedly purchased the cows from a woman in Amblamogaru village, Dakshina Kannada district, and were transporting them in a mini goods vehicle to Alekala in Ullal Taluk for slaughter.
The vehicle encountered a mechanical issue and was unable to ascend a hill, prompting three of the suspects to push it. Local villagers joined in to assist them, but their suspicions were aroused upon noticing the cows concealed beneath a tarpaulin inside the vehicle.
Upon questioning the suspects, the villagers received evasive responses, and the accused promptly fled the scene. Acting on a complaint filed by a concerned resident, the Ullal police registered a case under the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act-2020.
The police subsequently apprehended all four individuals, identified as Ahammad Irsad, Khalid B M, Jafar Sadik, and Fayaz. Khalid hails from Bangra Manjeshwar in the neighbouring Kasargod district of Kerala, while the others reside in Ullal.

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