Lone Muslim MLA’s ‘cow resolution’ defeated

Other Congress MLAs also joined the chorus and wanted the treasury benches to pass the resolution unanimously saying all the Hindus revere the holy animal and can’t withstand the sight of the bovine rotting after death and stray dogs nibbling at flesh. They reminded the government that MP has a special cow protection and conservation board and a special budget could be earmarked for carcass disposal.

BJP ministers and MLAs requested the legislator to withdraw the resolution saying they were thankful to him for his concern despite belonging to another religion, but added that neither the Vedas nor the Puranas contain anything to that effect. They also admitted the resolution could create controversy.

Despite repeated requests from the treasury benches, the MLA and the Congress, despite its low numerical strength, pressed for division.

“It’s a religious matter and should be best left to saints to take a call on. Maybe a committee of saints be formed to discuss the issue once the motion is withdrawn. What if the House passes the resolution but the society refuses to abide?’’ were among the arguments offered by the ministers.

The resolution was eventually defeated with 55 votes against it and 31 in favour.

Before the division, Animal Husbandry Minister Kusum Mehdele argued that there was no need for new rules because existing laws permit local and urban bodies to dispose of the carcass of all animals in their respective areas.