We are all worked up, and rightly so, by the statement made by a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader that their organisation will not allow cow slaughter or beef consumption. Cow slaughter was banned decades ago so there is no issue there. The law banning cow slaughter has the support and respect of all communities and by all people, even those who consume beef. But there is definitely something sinister on the part of the VHP in suggesting that all beef should be banned. Is it an attempt to divide Goa along religious lines? Is it an attempt to shore up support from the majority community? Is it an attempt to keep the core of the BJP intact?
First the facts: The BJP is in charge at the Centre. It just won Assembly polls in the largest state. It is on the march towards seizing control of the Rajya Sabha after which it will be in total control of the nation. All this was orchestrated through a strategy of polarisation camouflaged as development. This is why the BJP allows some of its fringe elements to run riot. The ‘gaurakshaks’ are a key element in this strategy. The lynching of people transporting cattle is part of the plan. The murder of Akhlaq by a mob for allegedly possessing beef is one of the many brush strokes in this picture. The BJP government at the centre turns a blind eye and a deaf ear until it is satisfied that the desired effect has been achieved and then steps in to issue a statement that is always ‘too little, too late’.
Cow slaughter is an emotive issue but since cow slaughter is banned in majority of the states the new strategy is to divide the country into beef-eating and non-beef eating groups because there is a religious component attached to it. The public meeting of the VHP in Goa and the statement made by its leaders was not an accident. Unfortunately for the VHP, all communities live in harmony in the State because of the respect for each other’s religion and culture. The roots of harmony have a complete grip on the mindset of Goans and any attempt to divide is more likely to result in failure.
But this does not mean one can remain complacent. Every statement of this nature has to be countered and political leaders have done well to censure and condemn it. One might recall that when the anti-beef sentiment was at its peak in Maharashtra following the passage of a new stringent law, Goa remained relatively calm because then Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar put his foot down by refusing to toe the line of gaurakshaks. We all have a stake in preserving harmony. There can be no compromise on this ideal and this is why leaders who are hell bent on fomenting communal discord must be shown the door.
