Karnataka CM celebrates passage of anti-cow slaughter bill
What's the story
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Tuesday offered special prayers to cows to celebrate the passage of the contentious anti-cow slaughter bill in the Legislative Council. 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.
Celebrations
Yediyurappa garlanded cattle, put vermilion on their forehead
Flanked by his Cabinet colleagues, including Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan and Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, he put vermilion and turmeric powder on the forehead of "Go Mata" and showered "Akshat" and flowers on them, at his residence in Bangalore. After garlanding the cattle, Yediyurappa offered them raw rice, lentils, and banana.
Details
The bill was passed amid chaos and strong opposition
As Deputy Chairman MK 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, Pranesh announced the bill was passed. Karnataka is among the select states which have tough provisions against those transporting, smuggling, and slaughtering cows and buffaloes below the age of 12.
Allegations
Bill intends to target minorities, Congress and JD(S) alleged
Under the new law, cattle slaughter would lead to imprisonment of up to seven 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.