From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bangalore, Feb 12: ``Consult us first before completely banning cow slaughter in Karnataka,” demanded Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, pointing out that the B S Yeddyurappa should not decide on the issue in a hurry.
Working President of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene Kodihalli Chandrashekhar said that the BJP Government should clearly specify the gains and losses to farmers by banning cow slaughter.
"Don’t take a decision on a sensitive issue like cow slaughter without taking us into confidence. We need time to weigh the pros and cons of the move after the Government enlightens us,’’ he said pointing out that any decision taken with ``ulterior political motives’’ to pander to the Hindu religious leaders without thoroughly examining all aspects would have dire consequences.
``If any attempt is made to push the legislation without any dialogue, farmers will have to launch protest,” he warned.
He pointed out that the Government’s move has come without any consultation with those favouring and opposing the ban.
Chandrashekar declared that the Sangha will conduct a consultation programme in Bangalore on February 18.
Meanwhile, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has already opposed the Yeddyurappa regime’s move to bring a legislation banning cow slaughter and wondered what the Government proposed to do with old and useless buffaloes, bulls and oxen.
``Is the government going to look after all he old animals?,” he asked and declared that his party would not accept any decision merely because the Government wants to target the minority communities as they were consuming beef. ``Will the dairy farmers be able to look after the old animals when they themselves are facing difficulties?,” he wondered.
Meanwhile, Kodihalli Chandrashekar announced that the Raitha Sangha would continue its protest against the Bangalore-MysoreInfrastructure Corridor (BMIC) Project by organising a rally of farmers, women and children who are affected by the project onFebruary 16.
The rally will start from the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE ) junction near Kengeri and culminate near the Chief Minister’s residence, he declaring that a memorandum will be submitted to Yeddyurappa demanding cancellation of the township projects along the NICE corridor and to rework thecompensation on market rates for farmers’ lands.
Another memorandum would be submitted to the Governor H R Bhardwaj urging Union government’s intervention in the matter, he said.
The Sangha along with Prof M D Nanjundaswamy Foundation and Hasiru Sene would jointlyl organise `Vishwa Raita Chetana,’ to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the renowned leader of farmers on February 13 at the Shikshakara Sadana.
The programme will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister and attended among others by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah, Bharatiya Kisan Union President Mahendra Singh Tikayit, state JD(S) Working President P G R Sindhia and Ryota Sangha and Hasiru Sene President K S Puttannaiah. The afternoon session will have a discussion on the organisation of farmers at the national and the global level attended by various farmer leaders from across the country.