Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jun 6: The Congress-led government in the state should not withdraw the Anti-Cow Slaughter legislation. The government should not provide any provision to slaughter cows,” said Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Vajradehi Math, Gurupur.
He was addressing a press meet at the VHP office in Kadri on Tuesday June 6.
He further said, “Hindu saints and the Hindus severely condemn the statement of minister of animal husbandry Venkatesh. During the rule of kings, there was no provision for cattle slaughter. The Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill was passed in the year 1948. In the Act, slaughtering of cow, oxen and calves were banned. After the verdict from the Supreme Court in 1964, oxen, bison and buffaloes were allowed to be slaughtered, only after obtaining permission from veterinary doctors, but there was no provision to slaughter cows.
“In 1964, the then Congress government led by K C Reddy and government of S Nijalingappa stated that buffaloes can be slaughtered but not cows. Unfortunetly, minister for animal husbandry Venkatesh is opposing the Anti-Cow Slaughter Act.
“The Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act will protect the interests of cattle and farmers.
“The Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill has reduced cattle slaughter in the coastal region. The illegal cow slaughter has reduced by 80 percent. There is no communal violence in the region too.
“As the Congress government spoke about withdrawing the Anti-Cow Slaughter Act, we and people are in confusion and fear. If the government withdraws the act, the curse of saints and cattle will affect the government. The government should not allow this to happen,” Swamiji said.
Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemaru Math said, "The government should work for people instead of involving in hatred politics. The government should not withdraw the Anti-Cow Slaughter Act. We will protest if beliefs and sentiments are hurt.”
He also said that saints are not in favour of any political parties but working for the welfare of the society.
He also added that the previous government had allotted funds for Maths but the present government has kept the grants on hold. This will affect small Maths, hence the government should release the funds for development, he said.
Shri Vidyananda Sarswathi Swamiji Maharaj of Chilimbi and Shri Sai Eshwar Guruji of Dwarakamai, Shankarapur Math, Udupi were present.