Karnataka Legislative Council passes anti-cow slaughter Bill amid protests by Congress, JD(S) leaders

The Karnataka Legislative Council passed the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill through a voice vote amid opposition from both Congress and JD(S) leaders.

On Monday evening, the House passed the Bill even as both Congress and JD(S) MLCs demanded more time for discussion on the issue. A ruckus erupted with the opposition leaders rushing to the well of the House. Some MLCs threw sheets of paper in protest. Nonetheless, the Bill was passed and the House adjourned until Tuesday morning.

Speaking to DH, Congress MLC BK Hariprasad said that the Bill was passed even though the Congress demanded a division of votes. "We demanded a division of votes. Without considering it, the Bill was passed. The House cannot pass a Bill amid a din."

Both Congress and JD(S) leaders were against the tabling of the Bill on Monday. They wanted to continue the motion of thanks to the Governor's speech, as many leaders were waiting for their turn to speak. However, acting chairperson MK Pranesh said that the Bill had to be taken up on Monday itself as per the decision of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC).

Soon after the Bill was tabled by Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan, some Congress and JD(S) leaders took turns to speak on the issue. Post 7 pm, the MLCs sought adjournment of the House and asked for the discussion to be continued on Tuesday. Notwithstanding the demand, the Bill was passed.

Some MLCs alleged while speaking to DH that it was all pre-planned. "The Bill was passed a day before the election for the Council chairperson's post. On Monday, the House was chaired by Deputy chairperson MK Pranesh and the BJP wanted to pass it before the change of guard after the elections," opposition MLCs alleged.

Congress leaders said that they would stage a protest on Tuesday against the manner in which the Bill was passed.

The anti-cow slaughter Bill, which was part of BJP's manifesto ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections, was passed in the Legislative Assembly in the previous session. However, the Bill was not passed in the Council and eventually the state cabinet passed an ordinance in this regard.