No violence in name of cow : PM

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 16

As the Opposition prepares to corner the BJP-led Union Government over a range of issues, including “lynchings by gau rakshaks” and “maximalist position on Kashmir”, PM Narendra Modi today tried to take some of the sting out with the warning of a strict action against those breaking law in the name of cow protection.

Speaking at an all-party meeting on the eve of the monsoon session, Modi said, “All (state) governments should take stringent action against those violating law in the name of cow protection.” He also sought cooperation of all parties in the fight against corruption.

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Those involved in corruption should not be saved, he said, adding that the image of a political leader had taken a beating because of this—an obvious reference to RJD chief Lalu Prasad who is facing fresh corruption charges and a message for those supporting him in Bihar (Congress and JD-U).

Union Minister Ananth Kumar said the government was open to discussion on all issues in the House. The Opposition, however, prepares to take the BJP on, while the saffron party is also readying its ammo, including “growing incidents of minority appeasement and Hindu killings in TMC-ruled West Bengal”.

The string of meetings held today included the BJP parliamentary party meeting, NDA get-togethers and Speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s attempts to seek cooperation from floor leaders of all political for the smooth running of the session.

Signalling Congress’ strong line on Kashmir, P Chidambaram tweeted: “The people of the Kashmir Valley are caught between the two maximalist positions...The Central government has taken a maximalist position that has aggravated the problem. Just as the militants have taken a maximalist position that has to be rejected out of hand." The TMC and the RJD are expected to voice dissatisfaction over alleged “vendetta politics” and “targeting” of Opposition leaders through central agencies.

Panel to study cow benefits

• The government has set up a 19-member panel, including three members linked to the RSS and VHP, to carry out scientifically validated research on cow-derivatives and their benefits
• Headed by Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, it will select projects that can help validate benefits of panchgavya — concoction of cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, ghee