Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 11: Senior BJP leader N R Ramesh has issued a warning to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that the party will organise protests if the state allows the import of beef.
In a letter sent to the Chief Minister on Tuesday, Ramesh raised concerns about an alleged meeting where the "slaughter mafia" was pressuring the state government to issue trade licences under the name "beef shop".
Ramesh claimed that the meeting was held at the office of minister for Housing and Waqf, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, and attended by officials from the Urban Development Department, the Animal Husbandry Department, slaughterhouse owners, minority traders, and religious leaders.
According to Ramesh, the meeting discussed issuing trade licences for slaughterhouses under the name "Beef Shop," as opposed to the current practice of using "Buffalo Meat Shop" in Bengaluru and other municipal areas.
"In a shocking development, disregarding all legal regulations, a meeting was held at minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s office, where pressure was applied to the Urban Development department to issue trade licences under the name 'Beef Shop'," Ramesh wrote in his letter.
Ramesh also alleged that the meeting discussed the possibility of importing beef from neighbouring states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, arguing that Karnataka’s anti-cow slaughter law only applies to cows slaughtered within the state. This would allow beef imports from other states to be sold in Karnataka.
"The Karnataka government has only banned cow slaughter within the state, and therefore, the mafia demanded the government allow the import of beef from neighbouring states for sale in Karnataka," Ramesh said in the letter.
Ramesh described this proposal as "illegal" and argued that it indirectly supports cow slaughter, benefiting the slaughterhouse mafia. He warned the government that if it proceeds with issuing trade licences under the name "Beef Shop," it would lead to a widespread legal battle. He also indicated that the BJP would take legal action if the government permits beef imports from other states.
"If the government goes ahead with issuing trade licences under the name 'Beef Shop' in BBMP and other municipal limits, a widespread legal battle will be inevitable," he warned.
Ramesh further urged the chief minister to ensure that the sentiments of the majority community are respected and demanded that he take immediate action to warn minister Khan against engaging in such activities.
“I request you to ensure that the sentiments of the majority community are not hurt. I also urge you to caution minister Khan about engaging in such activities,” Ramesh concluded.