The political climate in Karnataka is becoming tense as the opposition BJP accuses the ruling Congress government of halting the ‘Goshala’ (cow shelter) project, which was initially launched under the previous BJP administration. The project had sanctioned the establishment of 35 Goshalas across the state for cow protection.
BJP leaders have expressed concerns over the Congress government’s alleged abandonment of the initiative, accusing it of neglecting the cultural significance of cow protection. They have taken to social media to criticize the Congress, claiming the government is more focused on the preferences of beef consumers rather than the cultural importance of cows.
However, the Congress has refuted these claims. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil clarified that no decision had been made to discontinue the project. Instead, the government is focused on improving the existing Goshalas with administrative support. Patil stated, “The proposal has not been cancelled, but the amount will be diverted to improve the condition of existing cow shelters. Rs 10.50 crore has been allotted for this purpose.”
In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, it was decided to utilize Rs 10.50 crore to enhance the infrastructure of existing Goshalas, rather than creating new ones. Patil explained that many of the newly proposed Goshalas, which were part of the previous BJP government’s 2022-23 budget proposal, lack cattle. As of now, there are around 66 Goshalas in the state.
The BJP, however, remains critical of this decision. State BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress of using the “lack of cows” in the new Goshalas as an excuse. “How can we expect a commitment to save and develop Goshalas from the Congress government, which always worries about beef eaters?” Vijayendra wrote on social media. He also argued that the decision was a blow to the sentiments of millions of people who revere cows.
The original BJP proposal, made in the 2022-23 budget under the leadership of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, called for the creation of 100 Goshalas at a cost of Rs 50 crore, with the aim of protecting cattle resources and implementing the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020. The Congress government, however, has shifted its focus to improving the existing facilities.
