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Beef ban in Maharashtra raised in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi, March 11
The issue of banning beef
in Maharashtra was raised in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, with some
members saying it affects the social fabric of the nation.
Raising
the issue during zero hour, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien
said the government in Maharashtra has banned the "poor man's protein".
"The
poor man's protein, beef, has been banned in Maharashtra. The ban on
beef will affect farmers because in Maharashtra there is 61 percent
shortage of mutton," O'Brien said.
"It is an economic issue, the
prices of fish, mutton and chicken will go up. Sick and old cattle will
not be slaughtered and farmers will be affected," he added.
The Trinamool Congress leader said it also affects the social fabric of the country as it takes away personal freedom.
"By
doing this, the social fabric of this country is being changed. We are
a great democracy. If you go to Dubai or Bahrain where a certain meat
is not allowed, you can still buy that meat. It is my personal liberty
what I want to eat in the privacy of my home," he said.
Janata Dal United leader Sharad Yadav and some other members joined him, as members from the treasury benches protested.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it is a sensitive issue and a debate should not be allowed.
"It is very sensitive issue... don't allow debate on it," Naqvi urged the chair.
"We are against it... the nation calls it 'gau mata'," he said.