Modi govt cannot be blamed for lynching by some people: Jaitley
The central government on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that lynching and violence in the name of “cow sentiments” is neither acceptable nor can it be rationalised, and states have been told to take strong action against the culprits.
The assertion from Leader of the Upper House and Union finance minister Arun Jaitley came after two days of discussion on the issue in the Rajya Sabha during which opposition blamed the Union government of not doing enough to stop cow vigilante groups taking law into their hands across the country.
On the day, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad staged a walkout, and was soon followed by members of the JD(U), SP, BSP and Left Front.
Earlier, Jaitley said the Centre could not be blamed for violence by “some people”, claiming there is a “difference” between lynching in the name of cow protection and protecting cows, which is “another matter altogether”. “The government’s stand is clear…Nobody is allowed to do that (lynch in the name of cow protection). There is no rationalisation... no arguments of sentiments being hurt can be an explanation for this,” Jaitley said.
As most opposition members targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue, Jaitely said Modi had spoken thrice against the incidents. “No amount of sympathy will be shown for those who indulge in lynching and law will certainly take its own course,” he said.
He dismissed opposition charges that the government was not taking action against those who have indulged in lynching.
“...Legal action is being taken in each incident. People were arrested and they are in jail. They are all going to be chargesheeted against whom evidence is found.” He said cow slaughter was banned in most of the states since the time of first PM Jawaharalal Nehru — a “secular leader”.
“This (ban on cow slaughter) was not proposed by Modi ji or Rajnath ji. This was said by Ambedkar during Nehru’s time,” Jaitley said, citing the inclusion of ban in Article 48 of the Constitution. Later, it was made part of 7th Schedule as a result of which the matter fell under the purview of the state governments.
“There are no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. Laws made in the states have provisions to preserve and protect cows. That right is with the state and its police...” the minister said.