Opinion Narendra Modi on cow vigilantes: Here is hoping gau rakshaks get the message

The Prime Minister’s reaction is still a bit late. A week earlier and he could have doused a lot of Dalit anger that has been spreading to different parts of India. A week earlier and he could have prevented this unwarranted acts of bovine policing from making the minorities more insecure.

However, it is great that the PM has reacted and that too in very strong words. In saying that he was angry at this whole business, he would have sent a flutter through the hearts of those who think a selfie of them being part of a lynch mob would add to their saffron credentials, at least on social media.

Also, Modi made a much more valid point. Those who profess their love for the Gau Mata should be able to ensure that she does not die eating plastic. Yes, it might be a better vent for the energies of these vigilantes to spread awareness on plastic that kills not just the cows, but even lend a hand to clean up the mess where possible.

READ: PM Narendra Modi says he gets angry at those running ‘shops’ in name of cow protection

Sadly, as recent reports have shown, a lot of Gaushalas are just scams that don’t really care about the animals which are often left to fend for themselves. If some good samaritan does not turn up, these animals stare at death from hunger. Yes, the PM is right in saying it is reduced to a business, with the cow itself being at the bottom of the business plan.

Here is hoping that random acts of violence against anyone seen with a cow, dead or alive, or any form of meat that is red will stop after the PM’s rap on those who claims themselves to be the protectors of the holy cow.