Bengaluru: Karnataka Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah has reiterated his statement that he will eat beef if he wants to and nobody can stop him.
Lashing out at the ruling BJP government in the state over its new anti-cow slaughter Bill while addresssing the 136th foundation day of the Congress in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said: “Who are you to question me? If you don’t eat, leave it, I am not going to force you. I had once said this in the assembly.”
He said, many of his party colleagues hesitate to even talk about it or take a stand on issues fearing consequences or backlash.
“Why should we stay quiet creating a feeling that what others are saying is right. You (party workers/leaders) should come out of such confusions,” Siddaramaiah said, while referring to the anti-cow slaughter ordinance.
Siddaramiah said Congress workers must spread this message that the party Congress believed in Hindutva that was practiced and preached by enlightened souls like Mahatma Gandhi and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
“These leaders never used religion as a tool to achieve their political agenda, but whereas BJP and RSS does it to achieve its political agenda. Congress workers must expose this,” he urged.
He further added that Congress had been firm in its commitment to Social justice and hence tried to ensure it by implementing reservation to marginalised sections.
“This was opposed vehemently by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh backed parties since then.
He added that the basic structure of the Constitution, which is also Congress’s ideology, is under threat by divisive forces through their false and diabolical narratives.
“It is in the hands of Congress party workers to ensure that the right message reaches every Indian. Congress party was founded to provide a platform for all Indians to voice their opinion against the oppression of British. It ensured fair space to all sections of the society to present their views. The party never came into existence just for the power,” he appealed.
Interestingly, Siddarmaiah’s statement comes on a day when the state cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance to give effect to the contentious anti-cow slaughter bill that is yet to be approved by the legislative council.
Once it comes into effect, there will be a blanket prohibition of slaughter of cows in the state. However, the slaughter houses will continue to function and beef consumption will not be prohibited with respect to buffalo meat.
