Finance
In a recent development, BJP MP Maneka Gandhi has launched a strong criticism against the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), alleging that the organization is involved in unethical practices. Specifically, Gandhi, known for her animal rights advocacy, claims that ISKCON sells cows from their gaushalas to butchers.
According to Gandhi, ISKCON establishes gaushalas, or cowsheds, and receives substantial benefits from the government for their operations, including access to extensive land. She cited her visit to the Anantput Gaushala, where she observed an absence of dry cows (those not milked) and calves, implying that all the cows had been sold off.
Gandhi voiced her concerns, stating, “The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish gaushalas for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land…everything. I just visited their Anantput Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISKCON is selling all its cows to the butcher.”
ISKCON swiftly responded to these allegations, denouncing them as “unsubstantiated” and “false”. Yudhistir Govinda Das, an ISKCON spokesperson, emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to the protection and care of cows and bulls, both in India and globally. He clarified that the animals under their care are not sold to butchers, but rather, they receive lifelong care.
The temple authority expressed surprise at Gandhi’s statements, asserting that ISKCON has played a pioneering role in cow protection across the world, particularly in regions where beef is a dietary staple. Within India, ISKCON operates over 60 gaushalas, providing personalized care for hundreds of sacred cows and bulls. Many of these animals were rescued after being found abandoned, injured, or saved from slaughter.
Additionally, ISKCON has initiated training programs for farmers and rural households on cow care techniques, with the aim of reviving the cultural practice of cow worship and care. Several ISKCON gaushalas have garnered recognition and praise for their high cow-care standards from government bodies and associated organizations.
The Congress party also weighed in on the matter, with INC Overseas Coordinator Vijay Thottathil sharing Maneka Gandhi’s video on social media. Thottathil highlighted the significance of these allegations coming from a former central minister of the BJP, and raised questions about the role of cow vigilantes and whether the government would investigate the claims.
