Bengaluru: In a strong condemnation of the Congress government, Opposition Leader R Ashok declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise protests across Karnataka, demanding a thorough investigation into the gruesome case of cow udder cutting that took place in Chamarajpet. Speaking to the media after visiting the affected cow owner’s residence near the Dundu Mariyamma temple in Cottonpet, Ashok emphasised that Hindus will not be intimidated by such heinous acts against their beliefs.
“Today, we performed cow worship on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, and we have also provided one lakh rupees in compensation to Karna, the cow owner, as a show of support,” Ashok stated. He described the shocking scene he witnessed, stating, “I have seen with my own eyes the traumatic aftermath of cutting the udders of cows, witnessing the animal’s suffering and bleeding. This is not an isolated incident perpetrated by a single person; it involves multiple individuals. It is unacceptable that the police have not conducted a proper investigation into this matter.”
Ashok further highlighted the unfortunate timing of this incident, as it coincides with major Hindu festivals, including Makar Sankranti and the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He also accused Congress workers of pressuring Karna to relinquish his cow amidst the chaos that ensued from this tragedy. “Hindus are strong and proud; they will not beg for justice. The Congress party pretends to support cows with one hand while allowing their slaughter with the other,” he argued.
The BJP leader cast doubt on the efficiency of both the police and the state government, questioning how the primary suspect could maintain long-term employment while allegedly walking around with a blade in their pocket. “The police claim this individual was delirious, but how is it possible that he could operate a factory for 10 years? Why was he present at 3 to 4 AM to commit such an atrocity against Karna, who was merely participating in a peaceful protest?” Ashok questioned, expressing disbelief and frustration at the current state of affairs.
Echoing Ashok’s sentiments, BJP state president BY Vijayendra attributed the cow slaughter incident directly to the Congress government’s negligence and disrespect towards Hindu sentiments. “The real cause behind this tragedy is the Congress government’s attitude in our state. Such atrocious acts will not benefit Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his party; rather, they expose their flawed governance and moral failures,” he asserted.
Vijayendra also remarked on the troubling narratives surrounding the incident, suggesting that there are attempts to paint the unfortunate cow’s suffering as a self-inflicted injury. “Karna, the cow owner from a humble background, is bravely facing the consequences of this incident. Our visit today, including the cow worship, is a show of solidarity with him,” he added.
The event saw the presence of several prominent BJP figures, including MP PC Mohan, Legislative Council member N Ravikumar, Bangalore Central District President Saptagiri Gowda, former IPS officer and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao, along with various local leaders. Together, they united in their call for justice and accountability regarding the distressing incident, emphasizing that the protection of cows and the Hindu community should be a priority for the state government.
As the BJP prepares for statewide protests, this incident has turned into a flashpoint for broader discussions about governance, law enforcement, and the commitment to protecting cultural values in Karnataka.
Protests in Mysuru
In a heated demonstration, BJP MLA TS Srivatsa and party leaders attempted to protest outside the home of Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh in Mysuru, expressing their anger over the government’s inaction regarding the recent incident of cows being harmed in Bengaluru. Police intervened, detaining the protestors briefly before later releasing them.
The BJP workers, led by Srivatsa, accused the government of failing to take action against those responsible for the cruel treatment of cows. “It has been two days since the incident occurred, and Minister K Venkatesh has not responded,” they claimed.
Shouting slogans such as “Shame on this shameful government,” “Down with the anti-national government,” and “We demand justice!” the protesters also criticized prominent leaders, chanting phrases like “Shame on Siddaramaiah, Jameer Ahmed Khan, and Venkatesh.” They emphasised that harsh punishment should be meted out to those who harm cows.
Carrying bags filled with cow dung, the protestors were stopped by police on their way to the minister’s residence. A heated exchange ensued between the protestors and law enforcement as the protesters expressed their outrage by spilling the dung on the road. Following this, the police escorted them away in vehicles to the C.A.R. grounds.
Notable BJP figures present during the protest included party city president L. Nagendra, state farmers’ wing general secretary Naveen Kumar, state minorities wing president Dr. Anil Thomas, former mayor Shivakumar, and other leaders such as Mirle Srinivas Gowda, Jogi Manju, JS Jagadish, and Giridhar.
Protest in Davanagere
BJP Farmers’ Wing activists protested in Davanagere on Tuesday , demanding stringent legal action against an accused who brutally slaughtered a cow.
Gathering at Gundi Mahadeva Circle, the protestors expressed their outrage, blaming the state government for the incident. They shouted slogans against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister Jameer Ahmed, and the Congress party, marking the occasion with black celebrations in defiance of the sanctity associated with cows.
The incident of cow slaughter during the Sankranti festival has sparked widespread outrage. The activists argued that the act appeared to be premeditated, asserting that the state government is trying to protect the arrested accused. They accused the government of disregarding Hindu sentiments and called for legal action against those involved.
“Indian culture regards the cow as equivalent to a mother. We believe that the milk from a cow is sacred, just like maternal milk. We also worship milk, ghee, and cow dung. During the Makara Sankranti festival, we perform cow worship. Such incidents of cow slaughter are not accidental; they are systematic acts,” stated Rajasekhara Nagappa, president of the BJP district unit.
He further commented, “There seems to be an attempt to portray the accused as mentally unstable. The conduct of Jameer Ahmed and the Congress raises concern. While Siddaramaiah claims to care for farmers, he has cut down on grants to goshalas (cow shelters). The state’s decisions seem anti-Hindu. The Congress has protected those who shout pro-Pakistan slogans and vandalize police stations. They are trying to cover up this incident. The public will teach the Congress a lesson.”
He added, “The cow is a revered deity for Hindus, and the belief that three gods reside within the cow is held by many. Not even if Jameer Ahmed donates 100 cows can this atrocity be justified. Such acts are recurring due to the Congress government’s appeasement of minorities. We must enforce strict laws against love jihad and those with extremist affiliations to Pakistan; only then will such incidents cease.”
Prominent BJP leaders who participated in the protest included Lokikere Nagaraj, state vice president of the Farmers’ Wing; NA Murugesh, Shivanhalli Ramesh, Anil Kumar, Raghunandan Ambarakar, NH Hallesh, H.N. Gurnath, GS Shyam, Malalekere Sadanand, Channagiri Lohith Kumar, HP Vishwas, and Srinivasa Bhatt.
BM Satish from Kolenahalli, a BJP Farmers’ Wing leader, condemned the cow slaughter as a heinous act and called for strict legal measures against the perpetrators.
H.N. Shivakumar, a former member of the municipal council, stated that the incident occurring during a festival that celebrates the consumption of sesame and jaggery has raised serious concerns and emphasized the need for strong legal action against fundamentalists.
