Deve Gowda flays BJP govt’s move to bring law on cow slaughter

Mangalore Today

Bangalore, Feb 11 : Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (S) leader H D Deve Gowda today flayed the BJP government’s move to ban slaughter of cows in Karnataka, terming it as ’an act in haste.’ The state cabinet had yesterday approved a new law to ban slaughter of cows to protect cattle and called for replacing the Cattle Preservation Act of 1964.

 

According to state Home Minister V S Acharya, who chaired a sub-committee to study the ’drawbacks’ in the existing law, said the new law would be in accordance with the Central Act.

Mr Gowda however, said the proposed law was contrary to the Central Act.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the Central Act allowed consumption of flesh of cows which were of no use.

’’The BJP government intends to bring this law to appease one section of the society. What will the farmers do with the cattle that is of no use to them. What action has the state government taken to protect these cattle,’’ he asked.

Mr Gowda further said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who had seen only one part of this Act, should see the other part also.

The cabinet had approved for placing of a new comprehensive Act on banning of cow slaughter with jail term of one year to seven years besides a fine of Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

Karnataka Farmers Association President Kodihalli Chandrashekara meanwhile demanded that the government discuss the matter with farmers as their interest was involved.

He also said the association would oppose the move as it was not properly deliberated upon.

The state government should come out with facts about the losses the farmers would suffer and how it would compensate them, he added.