Modi Govt has no plan to ban beef across country: Venkaiah Naidu

Raipur, May 28: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here on Thursday that the Centre has no plan to ban beef across the country, amidst a row over Maharashtra government's decision to ban beef.

"The central government does not have any such plan. Local government should take a decision on a local basis and take care of sentiments of the people," he said at a press conference here replying to a query whether the Centre would enforce a beef ban across the country.

Naidu was here on a day-long visit of Chhattisgarh during which he took part in a series of programmes in Durg and Raipur districts, including inaugurating the 'Jankalyan Fair' showcasing achievements of the Modi government. [I eat beef, can somebody stop me, asks Minister Kiren Rijiju]

Maintaining that the BJP-led NDA government has created an environment of trust and hope among people, he alleged that the Congress-led UPA government had left behind an environment of despair.

"Development was on the backfoot during ten years of UPA rule. Leadership was lacking and they were not in any position to take any decision," he said.

"In the first year of the Narendra Modi government, people witnessed that this government has a direction and vision. It has ways and means to reach the masses. Global recognition has gone up and investments are coming to the country," he said.

Taking a dig at previous Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, without naming them, he said, "Our PM is working, dynamic, dedicated and decisive.

Earlier PM used to preside and Madam used to decide, but now this situation has changed. The PM presides as well as decides".

Attacking Congress for dubbing Modi government as a "government of businessmen" in parliament, Naidu said that businessmen are not the enemies of the country since both industry as well as agriculture are essential for development.

PTI