The BJP government’s third year report has been nothing less than stellar going by the push to infrastructure, groundbreaking decisions and above all the huge faith reposed by the common man. It is perhaps for the first time in contemporary Indian history that a government that came to power three years ago with a huge popular mandate has not only retained its popularity, but perhaps also improved upon it.

On May 26, the BJP completed three years in office and going by the report cardit looks invincible and nothing seems to stop it from forming the next government once again, if not for its own undoing.

By equating ‘slaughter’ with cruelty and criminalising the trade and transportation of animals for slaughter at animal markets as an act of cruelty, the Central government has effectively enforced a country-wide ban on the slaughter of buffaloes and cattle, and the consumption of beef.

While conscientious citizens do endorse ethical treatment of animals but this ‘extraordinary’ notification, restricting the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets is also being seen as a Machiavellian plot to influence and curb food choices.

For the meat-loving Northeastern region, the Centre’s concerted push to ban cow slaughter is something which is indigestible and seen as an infringement of individual rights. People are furious that the government is breaching individual dietary preferences.

In a nation which is yet to work on human welfare, the central government going ahead with a hard line stand in the name of animal welfare sounds ridiculous had it not been a cause of serious concern.

The party which is riding on a high needs to remember that the Lotus has bloomed quite late in the Northeast and the Centre’s notification banning cattle slaughter could “harm” the BJP’s prospects in the region and damage its image as a national party. 

The last three years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have had a transformational quality and, as his government steps into its fourth year, optimism remains undiminished. But the simmering discontent over a much ‘avoidable’ issue must not be taken lightly.

“Development” is a meaningless catchword unless it is seen to be indivisible from the acknowledgement of the state’s primary assurance to its citizens — all of them — that their right to safety, security and dignity will be protected.

 

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List