Syed Sarwar Chishti, a cleric associated with the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, has appealed to the union government to declare the cow as India’s national animal and impose a nationwide ban on cow slaughter and sale for sacrifice.
The appeal came on Friday, just days ahead of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid), expected to be observed on May 28.
Cleric Appeals for Special Parliament Session
Chishti said the cow holds deep religious significance for Hindus and deserves both constitutional protection and social respect. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene a special session of Parliament to introduce a law declaring the cow the national animal.
“It is important to see who supports such a bill and who opposes it,” Chishti said, adding that the issue should rise above political divisions and be viewed from the perspective of communal harmony and cultural respect.
He further claimed that many Muslims would welcome such a move if it helped strengthen social harmony.
Calls for Stronger Laws Against Abandoning Cattle
The cleric also raised concerns about abandoned cattle, alleging that many cows are left on roads after they stop producing milk.
“When cows stop giving milk, people leave them on the streets,” he said. “These animals end up eating plastic and garbage. Such negligence should face strict punishment.”
Chishti called for tougher laws to prevent cattle abandonment and ensure better care and protection for cows.
Concern Over Lynching Incidents
At the same time, Chishti expressed concern over incidents in which Muslims have allegedly faced mob violence on suspicion of cow slaughter.
He said cases of lynching in the name of cow protection were worrying and also demanded a nationwide ban on beef exports.
The cleric criticised the ruling party for not introducing stricter laws on cattle protection despite being in power at the Centre for over a decade.
