Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Singh Gangwar, a BJP leader, during the inauguration of a cow shelter in Pilibhit district, suggested that cancer could be cured by cleaning cowsheds and lying in them, and claimed that petting cows could reduce blood pressure medication doses.
At the event, Gangwar stated, “Blood pressure could be cured by petting the back of the cow. If a person took a 20 mg dose of blood pressure medicine, it would come down to 10 mg within 10 days. It is a tested formula.” He also mentioned that cancer patients could find relief by lying in cowsheds, saying, “If you burn cow dung cakes, you will get relief from mosquitoes. So, everything that a cow produces is useful in some way for us.”
Furthermore, Gangwar encouraged people to celebrate special occasions, like wedding anniversaries and children’s birthdays, at cow shelters. He also contacted the Muslim community, inviting them to visit cowsheds on Eid and suggesting that they make vermicelli using cow’s milk.
The newly inaugurated Kanha Gaushala, built at a cost of ₹55 lakh, aims to provide shelter and medical care for destitute cows, with an emphasis on connecting people to these facilities.
These remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the BJP’s approach to cow protection and Hindu cultural practices. Earlier this month, another BJP leader suggested that attendees at Navratri celebrations should sip cow urine before entering garba pandals, which has also drawn criticism. The Congress party has described these statements as attempts at polarizing the community.
