Former BJP ally spokesperson denounces cow vigilante attacks in Haryana, calls actions ‘unconstitutional’

PTC News Desk: Senior Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi, who recently stepped down as the spokesperson of the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led party, strongly criticised the actions of cow vigilantes in Haryana on Wednesday. In a statement, Tyagi described their actions as “unconstitutional” and called for adherence to the rule of law.

Tyagi’s remarks come at a time when public outrage is mounting over two recent incidents of cow-related vigilantism in Haryana. The state, where JD(U) ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds power, is approaching a crucial election in October, adding political tension to the situation.

Expressing his disapproval, Tyagi said, “What they (cow vigilantes) are doing is unconstitutional. It is very much against our Constitution, which guarantees us the right to liberty. If anyone has an issue, they should report it to the police. How can an outfit act like a police force?” His comments were made during an interaction with the Press Trust of India (PTI).

Tyagi emphasised that no individual or group should be allowed to take the law into their own hands. He also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a similar stance years ago, advocating for the rule of law and condemning such extrajudicial actions.

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The controversy has been fueled by two incidents in Haryana, both of which have drawn significant attention. In Faridabad, a 19-year-old student was tragically shot dead by cow vigilantes on the Agra-Delhi highway on August 23. The attackers, acting on a tip-off, mistakenly believed that the car the victim was in was occupied by cattle smugglers. The five suspects involved in the incident are currently in police custody, facing charges related to the fatal shooting.

Just a few days later, on August 28, another horrific incident occurred in Charkhi Dadri, where a Muslim worker from West Bengal was lynched by a mob on suspicion of consuming beef. The police have apprehended seven individuals, including two minors, in connection with this brutal attack.

The ruling BJP in Haryana, which has been in power since 2014, is now facing severe criticism, particularly from the opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the BJP of using “hatred as a political weapon” to gain and maintain power. He condemned the party for what he described as exploiting communal tensions for political gain.

Additionally, the Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind, a prominent Muslim organisation, has denounced the attacks, labeling them as an attempt to foster “communal mobilisation” ahead of the upcoming election in Haryana. The group has expressed concern that these incidents are being used to incite divisions within the community for electoral purposes.

As the election approaches, the BJP’s handling of these incidents and the broader issue of cow vigilantism could significantly influence the political landscape in Haryana. The party’s response to these events will likely be scrutinized closely by both supporters and critics as they navigate the challenges of governance and public opinion in the lead-up to the polls.

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