CPI(M) condemns passage of Anti Cow Slaughter Bill without debate

The Kodagu unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has criticised the BJP Government over the passage of the anti-cow slaughter Bill in the Legislative Council, recently, without any debate.

The party would appeal to the Governor not to give assent to the Bill, secretary of the Kodagu CPI (M) I.R. Durgaprasad said in a statement here on Thursday.

Farmers in the State disposed of aged and weak cattle, and, in turn, bought productive cattle for utility. More than 1.25 crore people belonging to the Dalit, minority and tribal communities consumed beef and more than 20 lakh people were involved in the meat trade, Dr. Durgaprasad said. The Bill would come as a blow to these communities. When the Bill becomes a Act it would have deleterious effects on the livelihood of these people and adversely impact the economy of the State, he said. In this kind of a situation, passing the Bill without debate was unfortunate, Dr. Durgaprasad noted.

State Executive Committee member of the CPI (M) S.Y. Gurushant too had condemned the passing of the Bill, Dr. Durgaprasad added.

Protests and demonstrations against the passage of the Bill were held throughout the State since July 12, but the Government chose to ignore them, he alleged.

All citizens should come together to prevent the Bill from becoming an Act, Dr. Durgaprasad said, adding that the CPI (M) would support all parties and progressive organisations to carry on a movement against it.