This whole 'cow as national animal' debate is back in news again ah . And now Congress leader Husain Dalwai has said something that is making people think.
He was speaking to IANS and basically said that while some people can believe cows are mothers,Muslims are not forced to see it that way . He said, "Earlier,the cow was referred to as a state animal,and now it is being called a mother. Even if Muslims take step back,there is still attempt to push them further."
But at same time,he's not saying cow is not important . Dalwai made it clear that cow is a significant animal for the country and calling it a state animal is completely fine. It's the "mother" part that he is questioning for everyone.
And this whole thing is getting more attention because of recent statements from leaders like Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath . He said, "Cow is our mother. We share same bond with her as we have with our mothers." This is exactly the kind of thing that has started this whole debate again.
And tbh,this is where situation gets very complicated.
What's interesting is that many Islamic clerics are also involved in this conversation . People from Ajmer Dargah Sharif and Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah have been asking the Muslim community to not do cow sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha . They think if cow becomes national animal it could stop cattle slaughter and create more respect.
Syed Sarwar Chishti from Ajmer even went ahead and asked PM Modi to take legislative action on this .
Few things standing out clearly in this case:
- Notable clerics are urging government to declare cow a national animal to enhance its sanctity.
- There are also worries about cow vigilantism and how it impacts cattle traders.
- Dalwai is criticizing different statements made by leaders about national identity and animal status.
Then there is another angle from the All India Jamiatul Quresh . They are demanding ban on beef-export companies,saying these businesses are profiting from illegal cattle slaughter and hurting livestock farmers .
So many different voices and opinions on one single animal . How can anyone find a balance that works for everyone…
