Congress legislator from Ahmedabad Gyasuddin Shaikh on Monday sought declaration of cow a national animal and a national law banning cow slaughter.
“A law banning cow slaughter was brought in by Chimanbhai Patel-led Congress Government in the State and implemented strictly. However, the BJP in last 22 years of its rule has failed to bring in an effective law banning cow slaughter. It has only brought about two amendments and failed to effectively implement the law,” Shaikh said in his Press statement.
The statement by Shaikh comes soon after the ruling BJP Government in Gujarat amended the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act on March 31, that makes cow slaughter punishable with life imprisonment. The Bill, passed in the Assembly without the presence of Opposition, also makes cow slaughter, transportation of cow a non-bailable offence.
He hit out at the BJP, stating that it was merely trying to polarise the electorate in view of forthcoming Assembly polls in the State. “I support the ban on cow slaughter and my demand is that the ban should be extended nationally… With the BJP Government at the Centre and many States, who is stopping the BJP from declaring cow as national animal and bringing in a stricter law against cow slaughterIJ” Shaikh said.
He also called for initiating strict action against what he calls ‘anti-social’ elements involved with smuggling of cows. “This has caused tremendous economic loss to several poor communities as cowherds… The police too need to be careful as at times it announces of having caught cow meat without waiting for FSl report. This also hurts sentiments of majority community,” he added.
Shaikh claimed that he had already issued a public appeal to Muslim community to desist from getting involved with cow slaughter or its consumption. “I have been rearing four cows and serving them for last eight years. Cow is a pious animal and should be above politics,” he added.