MUMBAI: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has demanded that the state government reconsider its decision to ban the slaughter of bulls and bullocks.

Opposition leader in the legislative council Dhananjay Munde said, “Has the state government made a budget provision for cattle sheds and fodder for the survival of cow progeny? The decision has affected many families economically as old cattle have become unaffordable to maintain,” said Munde, while speaking on the budget speech. The two-day discussion will continue till Tuesday following the reply from finance minister on the discussed points.

“Farmers in the state could not bear the expenditure of old bullocks. They used to sell those bulls in the market to buy new ones. Farmers could not bear the cost of shelter and food for old bullocks, which could not help in farming. The government should reconsider its decision,” said Munde.

He also criticized the budget provisions. “The state budget is nothing but a copy, paste, edit and forward job. The budget is copied from the Centre’s budget and forwarded to the people of Maharashtra,” alleged Munde.

He also pointed out that there was no actual budget provision for many projects. “Funds have been earmarked for 19 projects but no provision has been actually made,” said Munde.