BJP dissociates itself from Haryana CM's comment
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's comment that Muslims should give up eating beef, which triggered much outrage, "is not the BJP's position", said Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu. He also said that the "highly condemnable" Dadri lynching incident was an issue concerning the Uttar Pradesh government, and that the Samajwadi Party should be questioned instead of blaming the BJP-led central government.
Manohar Lal Khattar and RSS
Manohar Lal Khattar joined the Rashtriya Seva Sangh (RSS) in 1977, becoming a full time "pracharak" in 1980. A lifelong bachelor, he worked for 14 years as a "pracharak", before moving to the organisation's political wing, BJP, in 1994.
Khattar's take on beef
Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, when asked about the Dadri lynching incident, was quoted as saying, "Muslims can stay, but they will have to give up eating beef", in an interview published in the 16 October 2015 issue of the Indian Express. Khattar said his words had been "misconstrued and twisted". Following this remark, the Indian Express released the audio of the interview.
Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Bill 2015
The Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Bill was passed in March 2015 making cow-slaughter and the sale of beef a non-bailable offence in Haryana. Khattar hailed it as one of the top achievements of his government.
Political parties mercilessly criticize Khattar
Although Khattar expressed his "regret" after Indian Express released the audio, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Sad day for India's democracy! CM Khattarji will now decide qualifications for Indian citizenship. Is this new model of governance Modiji?" Meanwhile the Aam Admi Party (AAP) demanded Khattar's sacking for having "distorted the secular fabric of the country". Following suit, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav also attacked BJP.
Cow-slaughter and beef sale penalty
Violation of the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Bill 2015 will see offenders get 3-10 years jail and a Rs.30,000-100,000 fine for cow-slaughter, and a 3-5 years jail sentence and a Rs.30,000-50,000 fine for selling beef.
BJP dissociates itself from Haryana CM's comment
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's comment that Muslims should give up eating beef, which triggered much outrage, "is not the BJP's position", said Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu. He also said that the "highly condemnable" Dadri lynching incident was an issue concerning the Uttar Pradesh government, and that the Samajwadi Party should be questioned instead of blaming the BJP-led central government.
Special licenses for foreigners to consume beef: Khattar
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the Haryana government is willing to create a special dispensation to enable foreigners to eat beef in the state. Defending the move, CM Khattar said "Everyone has a personal lifestyle for eating and drinking....we don't have any opposition to that." Haryana's law against beef consumption and sale in the state came into force in November 2015.
