RPI launches protest against beef ban in Maharashtra

The RPI on Tuesday said it will petition President Pranab Mukherjee seeking the repeal of the beef ban, saying it has resulted in lakhs of people losing their jobs.

The Republican Party of India (RPI), an ally of the BJP, has opposed the ban on beef in Maharashtra.

The-RPI-an-ally-of-the-BJP-carried-out-a-protest-opposing-the-Maharashtra-government-beef-ban-outside-the-collector-s-office-in-Bandra-HT-photo

The RPI on Tuesday said it will petition President Pranab Mukherjee seeking the repeal of the beef ban, saying it has resulted in lakhs of people losing their jobs.

RPI chief Ramdas Athawale, who led a poorly-attended rally, said he would lead the delegation of affected people. “There was no need to include the progeny of cow in the ban at all. The cow slaughter was already banned decades ago. We will explain to the President how this order has affected the livelihood of lakhs of people,” said Athawale.

It was in March that Mukherjee approved the amended Maharashtra Animal Preservation Bill, 1995. It puts a blanket ban on the slaughter of cows, bulls, and their calves. Athawale lamented that butchers did not attend the rally in large numbers.

“The butchers who are affected should have attended the rally. We need to show the government our strength,” he said. "Even though I am a part of the government, they should take us into confidence on such issues. I also plan to take out a massive morcha during the monsoon session of the state assembly,” he said.