Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday criticised the demand by some Muslim clerics to declare the cow a national animal, describing it as “doglapan” (double standard).
Speaking at a public function in Bijnor, Adityanath said the cow already holds a sacred position and does not require any official declaration.
“I have come to know that some maulanas have demanded that cows be declared a national animal. The cow is already our mother and our bond with the cow spans beyond lifetimes. No formal declaration is required to define the relationship between a mother and her child,” the Chief Minister said.
‘Cow Is Already Mother of the Nation’
The Chief Minister said there was no need for a legal or formal announcement to establish the cow’s importance in society.
According to him, the relationship between people and cows goes beyond official recognition.
“On one hand you encourage cow slaughter and on the other you demand that cows be declared a national animal; this is ‘doglapan’ (double standard),” Adityanath said.
Warning Against Cow Slaughter
Adityanath also issued a warning against cow slaughter and said his government would take strict action against offenders.
“We will punish offenders in such a way that future generations understand the consequences of cow slaughter,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s tough stance on cow protection during the event.
Remarks on Recent Ghaziabad Incident
During his speech, Adityanath also referred to a recent incident in Ghaziabad involving the killing of a Hindu boy, allegedly by his Muslim friend.
Without going into details, he urged parents to monitor their children and guide them properly.
“Parents should rein in their wayward children and make them understand that they are making a grave mistake,” he said.
Why the Demand Was Raised
The remarks come days after some Muslim clerics reportedly demanded that the cow be declared a national animal following observations made by the Calcutta High Court.
The court had reportedly observed that cow slaughter is neither an essential nor mandatory part of Eid in Islam, following which some clerics called for granting cows the status of a national animal.
