Bengaluru: “Cow represents Hinduism. Cow represents India. The very reason we worship cows is why they are being targeted,” said B.L. Santhosh, BJP’s National General Secretary (Organisation), while speaking at a book release event in the city on Saturday.
Santhosh was addressing a gathering during the launch of the five-part “Kamadhenu” book series authored by K.N. Shailesh Holla.
Speaking on cow slaughter, he said, “There are many animals that can be consumed for meat. The argument that beef is tastier or cheaper doesn’t hold water. There are other meats available at lower prices.”
He strongly called for a shift in the public discourse from cow protection to cow development. “How many more years should we keep registering cases in the name of cow protection? We must move towards cow development through genuine service and conservation. Even those who celebrated Bakrid must be encouraged to participate in cow service. Only then can we prioritize cow development over mere cow protection,” he asserted.
On the issue of cow shelters, Santhosh remarked, “Cow shelters are largely symbolic. Complete cow protection is not possible solely through shelters. A shelter is like an old-age home. True cow service happens in households. Those who serve cows at home can never be violent by nature,” he said.
Ayurvedic practitioner Hanumantha Malali also spoke at the event, highlighting bureaucratic challenges: “It’s easier in our country to get a license for a slaughterhouse than for a cow shelter. Cow slaughter is a sin, and those who slaughter cows or hand them over for slaughter are doomed to destruction,” he warned.
The event was also attended by writer S.R. Leela, S.N. Ramaswamy (president of ‘Goloka’ Goshala in Chikkamagaluru), and author K.N. Shailesh Holla.