Maneka blames BJP for cow slaughter

Hisar, Feb 7 (UNI) Animal rights activist and BJP MP Maneka Gandhi today held her own party responsible for cow slaughter prevalent in the country.

''The BJP is to be blamed most for the increasing incidence of cow slaughter in the country. The Congress comes next,'' Ms Gandhi said while talking to reporters here.

She claimed when the BJP came to power at the Centre, there were only a very few licensed slaughter houses in the country.

But the BJP-led NDA government gave licences to 100-odd slaughter houses.

She said Muslims should not be blamed for killing of cows as it were Hindus who sold these animals to slaughter houses.

Ms Gandhi also blamed the ''corrupt'' police personnel for encouraging cow slaughter by allowing illegal transport of cow-laden trucks.

Later adddressing a 'Gau Raksha Sammelan' near Uklana in the district, she lashed out at Railway Minister Lalu Prasad for permitting transport of cattle by trains. As a result, a large number of cows were being smuggled to Bangladesh for slaughter, she added.

Ms Gandhi demanded that Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act be made more stringent and urged for a ban on wearing of leather shoes by school students.

She called for formation of youth committees in villages to nab those indulging in trafficking of cows for slaughter.

UNI