UP Minister Details Cow Protection Drive and Launches Political Attack
In a significant press conference held at the Annexe building in Gorakhpur on Monday, Uttar Pradesh's Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Dharmpal Singh, emphasized that cow protection stands as one of the state government's foremost priorities. He detailed extensive measures being implemented to safeguard cattle while simultaneously launching a sharp political offensive against the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP).
Comprehensive Cattle Care Initiatives
Minister Singh revealed that nearly 14 lakh cattle are currently being cared for across approximately 7,500 cow shelters throughout Uttar Pradesh. He reiterated the Yogi Adityanath-led government's unwavering commitment to ensuring proper shelter, adequate fodder, and comprehensive healthcare for stray cattle, highlighting this as a key focus area.
Specific steps outlined include:
- Establishing fodder banks in every cow shelter to ensure consistent food supply.
- Appointing nodal officers for continuous monitoring and oversight of shelter operations.
- Implementing strict action protocols in cases of negligence or cattle deaths.
- Warning of legal consequences for those abandoning livestock or encroaching on grazing lands.
With summer approaching, officials have been directed to prioritize adequate fodder, water supply, and heat protection measures for the cattle. The minister also emphasized promoting indigenous breeds and biogas production to enhance rural sustainability and economic benefits.
Political Confrontation and Development Claims
Turning to politics, Singh launched a direct attack on Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, asserting that the party would be "finished" in the 2027 Assembly elections. He accused the SP of lacking a substantive development agenda and continuing to rely on outdated caste-based politics.
"People now want development and have risen above caste considerations," Singh stated, claiming that law and order in Uttar Pradesh has significantly improved under the current administration, with criminals being effectively curbed.
The minister's remarks underscore the intensifying political rivalry in the state, positioning cow protection not just as a welfare issue but as a symbol of the government's development-oriented approach versus what he portrayed as the opposition's divisive tactics.
