On Sunday, the Kerala government suggested it could bring in a law to counter the central ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, as the political slugfest over the issue intensified fueled by a row over a Youth Congress activist butchering a calf in full public view.
Kerala BJP president Kummanam Rajasekharan, who posted the video of the the gory incident on Twitter. CPI(M) MP MB Rajesh said the illogical form of protest should have been avoided and it would only help the Sangh Parivar.
No Regrets, Says Youth Congress
Police booked some Youth Congress activists as the incident drew flak from various quarters.
An embarrassed Congress sought to distance itself, saying the party will not support anyone who has violated the law, but a Youth Congress activist who led the protest said he had no regrets.
The act was committed in front of a huge crowd in Kannur on Saturday during the 'Beef Fest' held by the Left and Congress in Kerala to protest against the Centre's ban.
On the basis of a complaint from Yuva Morcha district General Secretary CC Ratheesh, police today registered a case against Rijil Makulti, a Youth Congress worker, and others under Section 120 A of the Kerala Police Act, police sources said.
However, Rijil Makulti told a television channel today, "We don't regret our act. This was done as part of our protest."
The offence deals with slaughtering any animal in a way that causes annoyance or inconvenience to the public and is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 5,000 rupees or with both.
If anyone has violated the law then he should be dealt with accordingly and the Congress party will not support him. However, we need to first establish whether the person in the video is related to the party or not.Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress Spokesperson
Flak from Various Sides
The 18-month-old animal was butchered in an open vehicle as Youth Congress workers raised slogans against the Centre’s decision to ban sale of cattle for slaughter. The meat was then distributed free to onlookers.
Congress leader Pandalam Sudhakaran said the manner in which the calf was dragged for being slaughtered left a pain in the heart. It is difficult to accept such mode of protests, he said.
Congress leader M Lijju, a former Youth Congress president, said there were certain rules with regard to slaughtering of animals which they should have kept in mind.
They might have carried it out considering the serious consequence of the government notification, he, however, added.
CPI(M) MP Rajesh said the youth workers should have exhibited civilised behaviour.
Condemning the incident, BJP state President Rajasekharan said DYFI and Youth Congress, youth outfits of CPI(M) and Congress, were turning 'butchers' and people should be careful.
Thoughtless and Barbaric: Rahul Gandhi
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today condemned the incident, terming it as "thoughtless and barbaric", he said that it was "unacceptable" to him and his party.
“No Need to Change Kerala’s Food Habits”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, hit out at the BJP-led government at the centre and the RSS, saying there was no need for the people of the state to draw lessons from New Delhi or Nagpur on their food habits.
Minister for Local Administration KT Jaleel said the government would consider formulating a new legislation to overcome the Centre's cattle ban.
Opposition Congress led UDF, meanwhile, decided to observe Monday as a ‘black day’ against the ban.
Speaking at a function at Alapuzha, Vijayan said Keralites have a traditional food habit pattern, which was healthy and nutritious, and nobody need change it.
The state government will provide all facilities to people to partake food of their choice. There is no need for Keralites to learn it from anybody in New Delhi or Nagpur.
Minister for Local Administration KT Jaleel said the cabinet would discuss the issue and the state government would consider formulating a new legislation to overcome the Centre's cattle ban.
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