In the fast-paced realm of social media, it takes but a moment for a video to go viral, carrying with it the power to shape opinions and ignite debates. One such video featuring former Union Minister and BJP MP, Maneka Gandhi, has recently made waves across various online platforms.
In this intriguing clip, Maneka Gandhi accuses the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of a rather astonishing practice – allegedly selling cows from their cowsheds to butchers. Let’s delve into this controversial claim and explore the responses from both sides of the debate.
ISKCON’s Alleged Cow Trade: The Shocking Accusations
Maneka Gandhi minces no words in her video interview as she boldly states, “The biggest fraudster in India at present is ISKCON.” According to her, ISKCON, an organization renowned for its spiritual and cultural contributions, has established cow shelters across the country, reaping numerous benefits from the government, including vast tracts of land. However, what has raised eyebrows is the claim that cows not yielding milk are allegedly handed over to butchers. Maneka asserts that there isn’t a single calf or dry (old) cow to be found in their cowsheds.
She goes on to recount her own visit to an ISKCON cow shelter in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where her observations seemed to validate her accusations. She claims that no cow was present in the cowshed that did not produce milk, and there was a conspicuous absence of calves. To her, this pointed unequivocally to the conclusion that ISKCON engages in the sale of cows and calves that fail to meet the milk production criteria.
ISCON कसाईयो को गाये बेच रहा हैं l
-मेनका गांधी pic.twitter.com/wyYdRWjywj— Dr sangram patil (@drsangrampatil) September 27, 2023
Maneka Gandhi’s Perspective
Maneka Gandhi’s allegations are nothing short of startling. She contends that ISKCON’s purported actions are unparalleled in their audacity, given the organization’s public image and its vocal advocacy for ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ on the streets. She questions the morality of an institution that seemingly relies on milk for its sustenance while allegedly partaking in cattle sales to butchers on a significant scale.
ISKCON’s Response: Denial and Counter-Claims
Unsurprisingly, ISKCON has not taken these allegations lightly. Yudhishthir Govind Das, a spokesperson for ISKCON, vehemently denied Maneka Gandhi’s accusations. According to him, Maneka’s comments specifically pertain to the cow shed in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where there are indeed more than 250 cows that do not yield milk, alongside hundreds of calves. ISKCON asserts that Maneka’s allegations are wholly false and baseless. Watch this tweet
Response to the unsubstantiated and false statements of Smt Maneka Gandhi.
ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally.
The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged. pic.twitter.com/GRLAe5B2n6
— Yudhistir Govinda Das (@yudhistirGD) September 26, 2023
Furthermore, ISKCON has been a prominent advocate for the protection and care of cattle, not just in India but globally. They state that their cows and bulls receive lifelong care and are not sold to butchers, as Maneka Gandhi suggests. To reinforce their stance, ISKCON has issued a formal letter of clarification. See this video
VIDEO | “ISKCON condemns the false statements made by Maneka Gandhi. She has spread misleading information as there are 246 cows that do not give milk in ISKCON’s Anantpur Gaushala, and yet they are taken care of with the same affection just like other cows,” says Vrajendra… pic.twitter.com/IU3FgkfCTC
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2023
ISKCON’s Dedication to Cow Protection
ISKCON proudly proclaims itself as a global leader in cow conservation and vegetarianism. Over the past five decades, the organization has established and maintained numerous cow shelters (Gaushalas) worldwide. In India alone, ISKCON oversees more than sixty Gaushalas, where cows, bulls, and calves receive unwavering love and care.
Many of these Gaushalas serve as havens for injured or diseased cows and bulls, and ISKCON Gaushalas provides comprehensive care through the tireless efforts of volunteers and workers. The organization has earned praise for its initiatives aimed at promoting cow care and protection across India, rekindling the age-old practice of Cow Seva.
In conclusion, the allegations put forth by Maneka Gandhi against ISKCON are nothing short of astonishing. The controversy underscores the importance of scrutinizing claims and seeking clarity when matters of public interest are at stake. While Maneka Gandhi remains steadfast in her accusations, ISKCON vehemently denies any wrongdoing, emphasizing its dedication to cow protection and the promotion of vegetarianism globally. The truth behind this contentious issue remains a matter of debate and investigation.
