• Source:JND
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JE News Desk: Ousted from power recently, the BJP on Tuesday staged a massive protest in Bengaluru against the Siddaramiah-led Congress government's plans to scrap the law banning the slaughter of cows. The BJP workers are also raising slogans against state minister K Venkatesh over his remarks asking "what is wrong with slaughtering cows".

The protesters have also alleged that the newly formed government is not adhering to its poll promises and has failed to implement the five guarantees it promised before the Karnataka Assembly Elections.

Karnataka Minister for Animal Husbandry K Venkatesh stoked a massive controversy in the state with his remarks regarding the cow slaughter on Saturday. The previous BJP government in Karnataka had passed the controversial Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020. The law bans the slaughter of bulls, bullocks, oxen and calves and proposes stringent punishment and penalties for violators.

Venkatesh had stated that a decision would be taken after a discussion over the scrapping of the law. "The decision would be taken keeping the interests of farmers in mind. "If buffalo, ox could be slaughtered, why can't the cows be slaughtered?" he questioned. The statements made it amply clear that the preparations are on for scrapping the act.

Venkatesh said that he also nursed three to four cows at his residence. "When one of the cows died, we struggled to cremate it. As many as 25 people came to lift the body but it was not possible. Later, a JCB was brought and the body was lifted," he said. He also clarified that there is a dearth of funds to manage gaushalas in the state. 

Meanwhile, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday also hinted that the Congress government is mulling to scrap the controversial law banning slaughter, saying that the matter was on their table. The chief minister said that no decision has been taken so far and the Cabinet is yet to discuss the matter.

Also Read: Karnataka Govt To Implement All Five Poll Guarantees In This Financial Year: Siddaramaiah

Siddramaiah further pointed out that it did not restrict the slaughter of cattle above 12 years, barren cows and other cows not fit for agricultural purposes. "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 CM said.

BJP leaders, including former CM Basavaraj Bommai, criticised the remarks. "Minister Venkatesh has made this statement to appease whom? Does he want his portfolio changed or is it to please the high command?" Bommai said.