Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lashed out at the BJP over its new anti-cow slaughter law in the state and said choosing what to eat is a fundamental right of every citizen of the country. Speaking at the Congress Foundation Day programme on Monday, he said he would eat beef if he wishes to and nobody can stop him from doing so. He added that he would not pressure anyone to eat any particular food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He reminded people that he had said in the state assembly in the past that if certain people do not want to eat a particular kind of food then it is best left to them. He said they are free to choose what they eat and not force them on others but they have no right to stop him from eating something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to the state\u2019s anti-cow slaughter law, Siddaramaiah said many of his party colleagues hesitate to even talk about it or take a stand on issues fearing consequences or a backlash. He said why do the people of the state stay quiet, creating the feeling that what others are saying is right. He also urged his party workers to come out of such confusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Talking about the existence of the law, the prevention of cow slaughter act was enforced in 1986 when there was no BJP government. He felt that the BJP has tabled the new bill now in order to divert the attention from farmers\u2019 issues. Expressing his dissatisfaction over the Congress, he said that when the BJP leaders branded him as an opponent of Gau Mata, his own party activists and leaders were sitting in silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the Congress can grow only if its workers have commitment towards the party’s ideological principles like social justice, universal brotherhood and various other things the party had stood for all these years. He said that any kind of dilemma about any issue is not good for anybody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explaining the party\u2019s ideology, Siddaramiah said Congress workers must spread this message that the party believed in Hindutva practiced and preached by Mahatma Gandhi and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n