New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the states to take “strict action” against those indulging in violent cow vigilantism, but said such incidents shouldn’t be given a “communal” colour.

“Cow vigilantism shouldn’t be given a political or communal colour. The nation doesn’t benefit from it,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar quoted PM Modi as saying at an all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session.

“PM Modi has urged states to take strict action against those indulging in violence in the name of cow vigilantism…. PM said there is a widespread feeling that cow is like a mother, but this should not let people take law into their own hands. Every state government should act on it (sic),” Ananth Kumar told reporters.

गाय को हमारे यहां माँ मानते हैं,लोगों की भावनाएं जुड़ी हैं। लेकिन यह समझना होगा कि गौ रक्षा के लिए कानून हैं और इन्हें तोड़ना विकल्प नहीं है — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2017

The PM also asked everyone to cooperate in the fight against corruption, Ananth Kumar said. “Those involved in corruption should not be saved. The image of a political leader has also taken a beating because of this,” the PM reportedly said in an apparent reference to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav who has been booked by the CBI in a corruption case.

कानून व्यवस्था को बनाए रखना राज्य सरकार की जिम्मेदारी है और जहां भी ऐसी घटनाएं हो रही हैं, राज्य सरकारों को इनसे सख्ती से निपटना चाहिए। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2017

Opposition parties have attacked the BJP over the cases of cow vigilantism, in which Muslims and Dalits have often been targeted. These parties have also planned to raise the issue during the Parliament session starting Monday.

राज्य सरकारों को ये भी देखना चाहिए कि कहीं कुछ लोग गौरक्षा के नाम पर अपनी व्यक्तिगत दुश्मनी का बदला तो नहीं ले रहे हैं। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2017

हम सभी राजनीतिक दलों को गौरक्षा के नाम पर हो रही इस गुंडागर्दी की कड़ी भर्त्सना करनी चाहिए। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2017

Modi also mentioned the presidential poll to be held on Monday and said it would have been very good had a consensus been reached on the candidate. He, however, said "high level of dignity" has been maintained by both sides during the campaign and no "ill will or bad language" has been used. He said all political parties must ensure that everybody votes and no vote is wasted.

While the ruling BJP-led NDA has named Ram Nath Kovind as its candidate, the Congress-led group of opposition parties has pitted Meira Kumar against Kovind, who has a big numerical advantage over his rival.

(With PTI inputs)