Karnataka CM Yediyurappa celebrates passage of anti-cow slaughter bill

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Tuesday offered special prayers to cows here to celebrate the passage of the contentious anti-cow slaughter bill in the Legislative Council.

Flanked by his cabinet colleagues, including Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan and Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the CM put vermilion and turmeric powder on the forehead of the ‘Go Mata’ and showered ‘Akshat’ and flowers on them, at his residence here.

After garlanding the cattle, Yediyurappa offered them raw rice, lentils and banana.

One of the flagship bills of the BJP government as promised in the party’s election manifesto, the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill got stuck in the legislative council after getting passed in the assembly.

As the Deputy Chairman M K Pranesh took up the matter in the Council on Monday, the Congress and JD(S) trooped in the well of the house and started raising slogans.

Amid din and strong opposition by the opposition, Pranesh announced that the bill was passed.

Karnataka is among the select states in the country which has tough provisions against those transporting, smuggling and slaughtering cows and buffaloesbelow the age of 12.

Under the new law, slaughter of cattle would lead to imprisonment of upto 7 years and a fine ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh.

Congress and the JD(S) have been opposed to the bill saying it intends to target the minorities.

They alleged that the BJP was not aware of the ground realities as there are many cobblers dependent on the hides.

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.

As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.

Digital Editor