Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district Youth Congress president Mithun Rai asked Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP) district president Jagadish Shenava not to blame U T Khader, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India stands first in beef exports in the international market only due to the support of the Union government.
Addressing the media at the District Congress office on Monday, October 15, Mithun Rai said, “If Shenava is really concerned about the protection of cows, he should blame the Narendra Modi-led Union government, as it has been actively supporting beef exports. He has, however, accused Minister of Urban Development and Housing U T Khader of earmarking Rs 15 crore for the modernisation of slaughterhouses at Kudroli under the smart city project. Khader did not keep Rs 15 crore to modernise the slaughterhouse. He only suggested that the slaughterhouse be modernised, as priority should be given to cleanliness. Jagadish Shenava also opined that U T Khader’s proposal of modernising the slaughterhouse led to his hospitalisation. This statement itself shows how cruel he is.”
Pointing out the statistics of the Union government, which has earmarked funds for the modernisation of slaughterhouses in different regions, Mithun Rai said, “The Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) has earmarked a maximum of Rs 68 crore and a minimum of Rs 15 crore for the modernisation of slaughterhouses in different regions. Why did Jagadish Shenava not oppose this? Why was he mum when some followers of Hindu outfits engaged in illegal cattle transportation? It has been revealed that the accused, who were involved in the last three incidents of cattle transportation in the district, belong to Hindu outfits. Why did Shenava attempt to rescue them if he was so concerned about the protection of cattle?” he questioned.
Attempt to create communal violence
Mithun Rai accused Jagadish Shenava of trying to incite communal violence in the district through his provocative speech. “The BJP’s opposition of the modernisation of the slaughterhouse is nothing but vote bank politics. If not, why did the BJP leaders, ministers, MPs and others not approach the Union government to stop their slaughterhouse modernisation project?” he questioned.
Congress leaders Praveenchandra Alva, Girish Alva, Kiran Budleguttu, Ramananda Poojary, Neeraj Pal and Premanath were among those present.
