Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka announced that it will consider amending the contentious anti-cow slaughter law, which was introduced by the previous BJP government, prompted by the contradictory provisions within the legislation.
The statement comes in response to a remark made by K Venkatesh, the Animal Husbandry Minister, questioning the rationale behind the existing legislation, asking if buffaloes can be slaughtered why can’t the cows.
The criticism of Minister Venkatesh's remark by the BJP drove CM Siddaramaiah to state the need for bringing clarity to the law, which he described as 'contradictory.' He nodded to subject the law to a thorough review and subsequent decision by the cabinet.
"The previous BJP government had enacted a bill that permitted the slaughter of buffaloes but prohibited the slaughter of cows. We will discuss this matter extensively in the cabinet meeting and determine an appropriate course of action," stated the Chief Minister during a press conference.
However, former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai condemned Minister K Venkatesh's statement, invoking the emotional connection of many Indians like him to the cow, which is being worshipped by them as a mother.
BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan has also expressed his anguish over Venkatesh's remark equating buffaloes with cows, accusing the Congress government of going against the sentiment of Hindus and trying to disturb communal harmony.
The current legislation in question, the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act imposes a comprehensive ban on cattle slaughter throughout the state. However, the law allows the slaughter of terminally-ill cattle and buffaloes aged above 13 years.