Cabinet minister Rakkam A Sangma did not mince his words when asked today about the controversial plan of a cow protection group to hold a rally in Meghalaya next month.
Representatives of Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati of Jyotirmath want the cow declared as the “nation’s mother” and have been on a tour around the North East to publicise their aims. However, in Shillong last week they cancelled their press conference at the last moment after facing sharp criticism.
Sangma ruled out banning the procession planned for October 2, saying that the group should call it off as its plans are not supported by the people of Meghalaya.
Hitting out today, he said, “These people should be considered as extremists. They are not worthy to be called Hindus. No one can stop me from eating my choice of food. Beef is my favourite dish and eating beef shouldn’t be linked to any religion.”
Sangma also said that the group’s members should read the Constitution, understand its diversity and the right to profess and practise any religion.
“Killing of cows may hurt the sentiments of some communities and not killing the cow also hurts sentiments of the tribal community. Eating beef is part of our culture and festival. So, no one has the right to put any restrictions,” he stated. “Those people are not fit to be Indians. These people creating such drama should be kept in the jungle.”
