BJP legislators Wednesday moved an adjournment notice during Zero Hour of the Assembly demanding a ban on meat export on grounds that it is adversely affecting milch cattle in the state. Party’s state chief Laxmikant Bajpai said he had no objection if animals were slaughtered for domestic consumption. Meanwhile, BJP members were caught off guard when Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Khan, too, supported the demand, urging the Centre to impose a blanket ban on meat export which will result in closure of all slaughter houses in the state. Bajpai proposed that the Assembly pass a resolution for ban on meat export, which should be then forwarded to the Centre. Azam agreed to their demand but stated that the proposal should also include rollback of rail fare hike and other commodities, which infuriated the BJP while SP members thumped their seats. However, Bajpai blamed the state government for not being serious on the issue. Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey rejected the adjournment notice and denied permission for passing any such proposal. Earlier, speaking on the admissibility of the adjournment notice, Bajpai said that out of 53 slaughter houses in the state, 51 are located in western UP. “It has led to a rise in crime of stealing cattle and has also led to a milk crisis in the state,” he said. Bajpai agreed that animals can be slaughtered for local consumption and within the country but not for exporting meat. BSP members shouted that the BJP is backtracking on its words. BJP MLA Lokendra Singh cited the example of a slaughter house in Bijnor, which has led to tension in the area as it is situated close to a temple and in the vicinity of the Ganges. Replying to the adjournment notice, Azam said the new Centre had opposed “Pink Revolution” and should now take some steps.
