Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, July 27

Congress men led by the party’s state unit president Ashok Tanwar started a ‘padyatra’ from Rohtak to Delhi today to press for cow conservation. Cattle rights activist Sant Gopal Das, who had been fasting for the past 55 days for the release of cattle-grazing land, was taken along in a human-driven cart.

The procession, which included cows and bulls, would reach Delhi in three days, with the party men staying in cattle sheds at night. After reaching Delhi, they would stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar from July 30.

“BJP leaders claim to have deep regard and empathy for cows, but have not taken any worthwhile measures for the protection and conservation of cows upon coming to power,” said Tanwar.

He stated that he had submitted a memorandum to the Governor regarding Sant Gopal Das’ campaign for cattle conservation and his deteriorating condition, but to no avail.

Sant Gopal Das remarked that the padyatra might mark the end of his life or of the BJP government. Former minister Subhash Batra said cows continued to be in a pitiable condition despite BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party state president Naveen Jaihind paid a visit to Sant Gopal Das this morning and extended support to his campaign. INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala had visited the cattle rights activist during his recent visit to the town.

The cattle rights activist had been continuing his fast though Chief Minister Manohar Lal had met him in Faridabad recently and assured him of getting his concerns about cows addressed.