BJP creating differences in name of cow protection: Akhilesh

Amid a row on cow vigilante groups, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today accused the BJP of creating differences in society in the name of cow protection and deviating from the discussion on development.

"BJP's attitude on the issue of cow is well known. Cows are owned by farmers in villages. You can find cows with us (Yadavs)...but tell me which person in BJP in a city owns a cow," he said after a cabinet meeting here.

The Chief Minister charged that the saffron party was creating differences in the society in the name of cow protection and BJP's attempts were focused on how to deviate from a healthy discussion on development.

His comments come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out at "fake cow protectors".

"I would like to tell all countrymen that they beware of these fake cow protectors. These handful of people must not be allowed to destroy your good work for their vested interest," Modi had said, while addressing a public meeting in Telangana yesterday.