Declare Cow National Animal to End Hate Politics: RJD

RJD legislator Mohammad Kari Soheb has urged the Centre to grant national animal status to cows as the only way to stop violence and divisive politics surrounding the animal. Addressing reporters in Muzaffarpur during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, he said the spirit of sacrifice should translate into abandoning arrogance and fostering brotherhood across communities. Criticizing the BJP, Soheb noted that beef exports have surged under the current government, contradicting its public stance on cow protection. He alleged that while BJP leaders project themselves as guardians of cows, they also provide patronage to beef factories and traders. The leader condemned incidents of cattle smuggling along borders and rejected any religious justification for mob violence or lynching. Soheb stressed that genuine devotees of Lord Ram uphold values of love and restraint rather than hatred. He called for immediate closure of beef processing units and an end to political exploitation of religious sentiments. The RJD, he said, will soon begin a broad-based movement across India, inviting participation from all religious communities. He also raised concerns about the unexplained deaths of thousands of cows in Rajasthan, asking why cow protection groups remained silent during that episode. Soheb believes granting the cow national animal status, akin to the peacock’s designation, would help reduce communal tensions and promote unity.