India’s only dedicated “cow minister” has been dumped in state elections, ending a controversial tenure that saw hundreds of the sacred animals starve to death and poisoned on his watch. In August, 28 more died, further denting his image as a sacred custodian in a state where cow slaughter comes with a 10 years jail. The electoral defeats come just six months before Modi seeks a second term as prime minister in national elections. He won in 2014 with a record mandate, in part promising to introduce a nationwide ban on cow slaughter and to declare the beasts a national animal. Rights groups say the party’s ascent to power has witnessed a rise in vigilantes murdering Muslims and low-caste Hindus — two minorities who consume beef — over allegations of cow slaughter or smuggling.

Source: Manila Bulletin December 12, 2018 08:48 UTC