DEHRADUN:

on Wednesday became the first state in the country to pass a

to declare

as ‘Rashtra Mata’ (national mother). The resolution, passed by the state assembly, will now be moved to the Centre for its approval.

Animal husbandry minister Rekha Arya tabled the resolution in the Uttarakhand assembly. “We all — be it the opposition or the ruling party — are aware of the importance of cow. Not only in India but in other countries as well it is vastly respected,” said the minister. She maintained that in religious text too, we find the mention of cow and it is said that its body is abode to 33 crore gods and deities.

She added that if cow is accorded the status of Rashtra Mata, required steps would be taken to protect the animal from being slaughtered. “Besides, the animal is a major source of earning for the people and many are dependent on it for a livelihood,” she said.

A number of BJP lawmakers, including former

Dehradun

mayor Vinod Chamoli were quick to extend solidarity with the resolution. “It is time we ensure that the animal is protected.”

However, leader of opposition Indira Hridayesh said, “We all respect cow, but I fail to understand what message the BJP wants to give by declaring the animal as Rashtra Mata. Cowsheds across the state are in a poor condition and the animals are deserted once old. There is also a shortage of veterinarians in the state.”

She added that instead of bringing a resolution, the BJP should have worked on ensuring that no calves are killed, cows are given a good diet, cowsheds are developed and arrangements are made for old animals.

Congress MLA from Mangalaur Qazi Mohammad Nizam-ud-din said that the resolution was completely political. He said, “If the BJP wanted to declare cow as Rashtra Mata, the CM could have written to the PM. However, this move appears to more political.”

After hearing the views of BJP, Congress and Independent MLAs, assembly speaker Prem Chand Agarwal passed the resolution by a voice vote.