Party will not ban beef: BJP

SHILLONG, APR 22: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday assured his party is not trying to impose ban on cow slaughter in the north east even as he reiterated the safety and security for all religious communities in the country.

“We are not proposing any such things (cow slaughter) here,” Madhav told newsmen at the sideline of the meeting convened by the party’s national president Amit Shah on Wednesday.

According to Madhav, in some states the ban on cow slaughter has been there for several decades. He, however, failed to names such states where there is a ban on cow slaughter for several decades.

Arguing that the BJP is not in power in any of these states (NE), Madhav said, “Remember one thing, the ban on cow slaughter in one or two states like Maharashtra and is done essentially on socio-economic reasons,” adding “Our government in different states will review this situation and based on the situation they will take decision.”

The BJP president Amit Shah maiden visit to Meghalaya was greeted with a ‘beef party’ and a twelve-hour bandh called by the proscribed HNLC  to protest against the party’s promotion of ban on beef and its alleged atrocities perpetrated by the “Sangh Parivar” on minorities.

Reacting to the protest, Madhav said, “It is a democratic country, people can protest.” Defending his party, he however termed the protest in the state as ‘misplaced’

Madhav said the protests are misplaced as the BJP is committed to the unity and integrity of the country and added, “India is a country of a number of religions and pluralism is at the heart of this country.” He assured every religious communities ‘will live in this country with utmost peace and safety and security as the BJP government will ensure it.

Stating that the BJP is committed to the development of the NE region, Madhav said, “Our president and party are also taking a lot of interest on this.”

Madhav informed that the party is also supporting its  government and the number of initiatives to strengthen the economy of the NE region by supporting directly from the centre as well as creating avenues for connecting with the neighbouring countries . – By Our Reporter