Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has demanded that the cow be declared the "National Mother," and cow slaughter be made a punishable crime. He also called for the reservation of the Kumbh Mela exclusively for Hindus, and announced plans for a grand yagna during the event. The Hindu saint also appointed representatives to oversee cow protection in each state and called on Hindus to uphold their faith and the significance of cow protection.
Cow Protection and Hindu Nationalism in India
The recent demand by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to declare the cow as the "National Mother" and make cow slaughter a punishable crime has sparked a debate on the role of religion and nationalism in Indian society.
Origins of Cow Protection
Cow protection has long been an integral part of Hinduism, with the cow considered a sacred animal associated with the Earth Mother and the goddess Kamadhenu. The Rigveda, an ancient Hindu text, refers to the cow as "Aditi, the mother of the gods."
British Colonialism and Cow Protection
During the British colonial period, cow protection became a rallying point for Hindu nationalists. Cow slaughter was prohibited in several princely states, and the Indian National Congress incorporated cow protection into its platform.
Post-Independence India
After India's independence in 1947, cow protection continued to be a contentious issue. The Indian constitution prohibits the slaughter of milch and draught cattle, but several states have passed laws banning cow slaughter altogether.
Rise of Hindu Nationalism
In recent years, cow protection has become a key plank of Hindu nationalist ideology. Organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have campaigned for stricter laws against cow slaughter and the promotion of cow-based products.
Current Developments
Saraswati's demand for a National Cow Protection Law and the reservation of the Kumbh Mela for Hindus are part of a broader effort by Hindu nationalists to reclaim India's Hindu heritage. These demands have been met with both support and opposition, reflecting the complex relationship between religion, nationalism, and secularism in Indian society.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is cow protection important to Hindus? Cow protection is part of Hindu religious beliefs and is associated with the Earth Mother and the goddess Kamadhenu.
2. What is the current law on cow slaughter in India? The Indian constitution prohibits the slaughter of milch and draught cattle, but several states have passed laws banning cow slaughter altogether.
3. What is the role of the RSS in cow protection? The RSS is a Hindu nationalist organization that has campaigned for stricter laws against cow slaughter and the promotion of cow-based products.
4. What is the Kumbh Mela and why is it important? The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage that occurs every 12 years. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
5. What is the significance of Saraswati's recent demands? Saraswati's demands reflect the growing influence of Hindu nationalism in India and the attempt to reclaim India's Hindu heritage.
BR Patil, Congress MLA from Karnataka's Aland, has claimed that there was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to steal votes leading up to the 2023 elections in the state. This allegation, backed by evidence of over 6,000 voter deletions, has been supported by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who has accused the BJP of systematically deleting the names of Congress voters. The BJP has denied these allegations, calling it a ploy by the Congress to discredit them and gain political mileage. However, Gandhi has hinted at more significant revelations to come.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, slammed the Karnataka government for the deteriorating state of Bengaluru's infrastructure, which has resulted in an IT company moving out of the city. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their negligence and corruption. Kumaraswamy appealed to the industries not to leave Bengaluru and promised to rebuild the city. He also called out the government for their failure in utilizing taxpayers' money for development and demanded answers for the same.
In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
The centre has directed the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani, citing a Delhi court order. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the Adani Group's involvement in various projects. This action has been met with criticism, with some questioning the government's interference in online content.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed that the party has uncovered over 6,000 voter deletions in Aland constituency, Karnataka, ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. According to their investigation, these deletions were not random or accidental but specifically targeted booths where the party was performing strongly. The deletions were carried out through fake applications and mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, raising concerns of an organized effort to manipulate the election process. Congress is calling for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of protecting those involved in "vote chori" (vote stealing) and undermining democracy. He cited recent instances of voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland and fraudulent additions in Maharashtra's Rajura as evidence of systematic targeting of Congress voters. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi urged for a fair and transparent election process to uphold the principles of democracy.
Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a news conference and claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner is protecting those who are destroying the Constitution and democracy in India. He also alleged that a group of people is systematically cutting the votes of minority groups who vote for the Congress party. In response, politicians from different parties have dismissed his accusations and stated that he is making these statements out of desperation and frustration.