BJP lawmaker from Hyderabad quits to protect cows

Upset over the lack of protection for cows in Hyderabad, controversial BJP legislator from Goshamahal, Raja Singh Lodh, resigned from the party.

The MLA wants to take up "cow protection" as his mission. Singh is quitting for the third time, withdrawing the resignation after highlighting the issue earlier.

Singh, a supporter of bovine protection, alleges that the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) with its support to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party is allowing the slaughter of cows in the city.

“I have resigned four days ago, but submitted the letter to state party president Dr Laxman on Sunday. The state government has become a mute witness to the incessant killing of 'holy cows' in the state to please the AIMIM,” Singh said at a press conference.

Singh alleged that the TRS leaders are also involved in illegal cattle trade and cows are being starved by the traders for the upcoming Bakrid.

“I can go to any extent to save my 'dharma', the protection of cows. I have quit the party as I don’t want to drag my party into unnecessary controversies,” Singh said.

Singh wants the Telangana government to raid and seize cattle that are being starved in the Old City areas such as Bahadurpura, Falaknuma and Chandrayangutta.

“What happened to the 78 check posts which were set up to curb illegal cattle transport to Old City? Now there is not even a single one," Singh alleged.

He demanded the government to call for a meeting with the slaughterhouse owners and 'Gaurakshaks' to avoid clashes during Bakrid as during earlier meetings only representatives of slaughterhouses were invited. “I am not against any religion. It is illegal to kill a cow, I am only asking the authorities to implement the law,” the MLA said.

However, the Telangana unit of the BJP has said that they have not received any resignation letter from Singh.

The party spokesperson has further said that even if there was a letter it will not be accepted. Singh is being projected by the BJP as a candidate for the Hyderabad parliamentary seat, to fight against sitting MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.