ISKCON Refutes Maneka Gandhi’s Allegations Of Selling Cows To Butchers
BJP MP and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi have sparked controversy with her recent statement during an interview. She asserted that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is the largest ‘deceiver in the country’ and alleged that it sells cows from its gaushalas (cowsheds) to butchers.
In response to Maneka Gandhi’s statements, ISKCON spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das has characterized her remarks as ‘unsubstantiated and false.’ The organization expressed surprise at the comments made by the BJP MP, particularly given her reputation as an animal rights activist. This exchange highlights the need for factual accuracy and responsible discourse when discussing sensitive topics.
What did BJP leader say?
In her interview, Maneka Gandhi made several allegations against ISKCON, stating, “The biggest cheater in the country is ISKCON. They keep cowsheds and avail all kinds of benefits from the government for gaushalas. Lands and everything.”
She also claimed to have visited a gaushala in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where she alleged that there were no dry cows and no calves, suggesting that “all of them were sold.”
Furthermore, Gandhi asserted that ISKCON is selling its cows to butchers, which she implied is contrary to the organization’s public image of promoting the welfare of cows and chanting ‘Hare Ram, Hare Krishna.’
These are serious allegations, and it is important for any such claims to be thoroughly investigated and substantiated with evidence before drawing conclusions.
Response to the unsubstantiated and false statements of Smt Maneka Gandhi.
— Yudhistir Govinda Das (@yudhistirGD) September 26, 2023
ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally.
The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged. pic.twitter.com/GRLAe5B2n6
ISKCON contradicts the claims
ISKCON has refuted Maneka Gandhi’s claims regarding the condition of cows in their gaushalas. According to ISKCON, many of the cows presently under their care were brought to them after being abandoned, injured, or rescued from potential slaughter.
Furthermore, ISKCON in its response said, “we have initiated training programs for farmers and rural households to educate them on proper cow care techniques. The organisation is actively working to revive the cultural practice of cow worship and care, as seen in previous generations. Additionally, ISKCON’s gaushalas have received recognition and praise for maintaining high standards of cow care, acknowledged by government authorities and associations related to cow shelters. These statements provide an alternative perspective on the matter, emphasising ISKCON’s efforts to protect and care for cows.”
