BJP MP Maneka Gandhi has criticised the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), labelling them as the “biggest cheats” in India. She has accused the religious group of selling cows to slaughterhouses. In response to these allegations, ISKCON has defended itself, stating that it has been a pioneering force in the preservation of cows in various regions worldwide.
Ms Gandhi, a former Union Minister and a passionate advocate for animal rights, actively uses social media to raise awareness about animal welfare.
In a video circulating on social media, the former Union Minister can be heard asserting that ISKCON is the most significant fraudulent entity in the country. She contends that ISKCON operates cowsheds or Goshalas and receives various government benefits, including extensive land holdings.
Here's what BJP MP Maneka Gandhi has to say on #ISKCON and Cow Slaughter. pic.twitter.com/MIC277YByF
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) September 26, 2023
Reflecting on her visit to ISKCON’s Anantpur Goshala in Andhra Pradesh, Maneka Gandhi remarked that she couldn’t find a single cow or calf that wasn’t actively producing milk. She went on to state, “There was not a single non-lactating cow in the entire dairy, and there were no calves to be found, implying that they had all been sold,” according to Maneka Gandhi.
ISKCON’s Response to Menaka Gandhi
In response to Maneka Gandhi’s allegations, ISKCON issued a statement expressing their surprise at her comments. ISKCON’s national spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, noted, “Smt Gandhi is a well-recognised advocate for animal rights and a supporter of ISKCON. Consequently, we find these statements surprising.” Yudhistir Govinda Das also shared statements from several veterinary doctors and elected representatives (MPs and MLAs) to support their position.
ISKCON’s national spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das said, “ISKCON has pioneered cow protection in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet.”
Additionally, the temple authority has conveyed that ISKCON has initiated training programs aimed at educating farmers and rural households on the proper techniques for caring for cows. This effort is intended to contribute to the revitalisation of the tradition of cow worship.
Furthermore, Yudhistir Govinda Das has presented a letter from a veterinary doctor concerning the Anantapur Government Goshala. The letter affirms that the Goshala tenderly care for 76 bulls and 246 non-milking cows in addition to milking cows. Das contended that there is no record of Maneka Gandhi ever visiting the Goshala, and he remarked, “None of the workers or staff recall having seen or met her.”
The ISKCON national spokesperson also shared CCTV footage from September 24, depicting the Anantapur Goshala and its non-milking cows as part of their defence against the allegations.
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
Regarding the non-dairy cows, the ISKCON national spokesperson explained that these cows and bulls receive lifelong care in their goshalas. He further clarified that depending on the specific location, there are various methods and volunteers in place to utilise the cow dung, with some locations using it to produce manure and others transforming it into panchagavya products such as incense (dhoop), lamps (diya), organic fertilisers (jivamrut), and cakes for religious ceremonies (havan), among other items. Additionally, where feasible, some goshalas also employ biogas plants for efficient waste management.
Now, the MP is expected to share her response on the same and it remains to be seen whether she still stands her ground.
