The BJP does not have the numbers to counter the combined strength of Congress and JD (S) on the Council.
The Karnataka government failed to present the strict anti-slaughter bill in the Legislative Council on Thursday, a day after it was passed in the state Assembly. The BJP does not have the numbers to overcome the combined strength of Congress and JD (S) in the Legislative Council. The state government is likely to decide to enact an ordinance.
The BJP with 31 members on the Council had the support of the JD (S), which has 14 members. Congress has 29 members. This is the third contentious bill this week that did not pass the Council. The JD (S) previously backed the BJP in passing the Karnataka land reform bill, but the party, under pressure from farmer groups, withdrew from supporting the anti-slaughter bill.
JD (S) leader and former senior minister Kumaraswamy tweeted that the anti-cow slaughter bill, which was hastily introduced and adopted in the Karnataka Assembly, appears to negatively affect farmers. “This is because the bill does not appear to have taken steps to protect farmers, who actually protect and raise livestock. It is going to be difficult for a farmer when a cow gives birth to a male calf or when it gets old. or get sick. ” ,” he said.
The Karnataka government passed the strict draft law against the slaughter of livestock in the Assembly on Wednesday. The bill expanded the definition of livestock to include bulls, oxen, and buffalo under 13 years of age. The bill was not tabled in council on Thursday and it is unclear when it will be presented.
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Kumaraswamy said the bill could also negatively affect milk production in the state. “This clause would increase the financial burden on milk producers and make dairy production a loss-making business. Already, producers are reeling as milk unions have cut acquisition prices by Rs 5 a year. liter since the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the state, “he said.
