Bhopal: About 30 cows were found dead in country’s first cow sanctuary in Salariya in Agar Malwa district on Tuesday Officials claim that these cows died of cold while three dozen cows were found in serious condition in the sanctuary. The BJP which was on back foot on death of cows in the sanctuary till couple of months ago has now adopted an aggressive approach over the issue.
BJP state president Rakesh Singh warned of agitation if government does not take immediate remedial measures to stop deaths. Ex-BJP MLA from Susner Murlidhar Patidar reached with his supporters and inspected the sanctuary on Tuesday. There are about 4700 cows present in the sanctuary, most of them weak, ill and of old.
In-charge of sanctuary VS Kausarwar said, “Most of the cows sent to the sanctuary are generally old and neglected ones. Their stomachs are generally full of polythene. Therefore deaths are frequent in this sanctuary.” BJP state chief Singh said that the death of cows have exposed Congress’ claims of being protector of cows and opening gaushalas across the state. “It cannot stop deaths in a sanctuary how will it take larger welfare steps,” questioned Singh.
Ex-MLA Patidar blamed the laxity of officials for the deaths. Officials refuted the allegations and cited old age and medical conditions besides cold weather as the main reason for bovines’ death. The foundation of this cow sanctuary was laid by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in December 2012 in presence of the then CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan but it was formally inaugurated in a low key affair in September 2017.
Congress had organised several protests and agitations during BJP rule on death of cows in the sanctuary. Cow was an important issue for both political parties in assembly elections as well. Foundation of sanctuary was laid by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in December 2012 It was formally inaugurated in a low key affair in September 2017. Cow was an important issue for both political parties in assembly elections as well. BJP has warned of agitation if government does not take immediate remedial measures
