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Journalism of Courage
The Congress leadership Thursday told Karnataka Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh to stay “within his limits” after he indicated that the Congress government would amend the previous BJP government’s stringent cow slaughter law, a statement that drew protests from the saffron party.
AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala said the minister has been told to focus on the welfare of dairy farmers and ensuring they get good prices for milk. “The minister has been told to focus on the work under his ministry and not decide on a policy that does not come under his purview. He has been asked to stay within his limits,” he told reporters.
While the Congress high command rebuked Venkatesh, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier this week said the state cabinet will discuss the issue. “They (the BJP) amended it once. We reverted it to the earlier provisions. They have amended it again. We will discuss it in the Cabinet meeting,” the Chief Minister had said.
It is not clear whether the high command has asked Siddaramiah not to take up the issue.
While arguing that the cabinet was yet to discuss the issue, Siddaramiah had pointed out that Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act passed in 1964 did not restrict the slaughter of cattle above 12 years, barren cows and other cows not fit for agricultural purposes.
Venkatesh had also said that the state government would discuss and take a decision in the matter. “We have not decided yet. The previous BJP government had brought in a Bill, and in that they have allowed slaughter of buffaloes and male buffaloes, but have said cow slaughter should not be done. We will discuss it and decide,” he had said.
“When buffaloes and male buffaloes can be slaughtered, why not cows? This question will naturally arise…we will discuss and make a decision. No discussion has happened in this regard yet,” he had said.
