Synopsis
Karnataka BJP leader N. R. Ramesh has cautioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about potential protests if beef imports are allowed in the state. Ramesh expressed concerns over the slaughter mafia's pressure for trade licenses under 'Beef Shop', urging respect for majority community sentiments and warning of legal consequences if the government proceeds.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP leader N. R. Ramesh warns of protests against beef imports.
- Concerns raised about slaughter mafia pressuring for trade licenses.
- Current licenses labeled as 'Buffalo Meat Shop'.
- Meeting held at Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan's office.
- Legal actions threatened if beef imports are permitted.
Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) Senior BJP leader N. R. Ramesh has sent a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, cautioning him about a potential protest if the importation of beef is permitted within the state.
The BJP leader urged Siddaramaiah to investigate the reported meeting involving the slaughter mafia that is allegedly pressuring the government to grant a trade license under the name of "Beef Shop".
In a shocking turn of events, a meeting was convened at the office of Minister for Housing and Waqf, B. Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, where pressure was applied on the Urban Development Department to issue trade licenses under the name "Beef Shop" for the benefit of slaughterhouse mafias, the letter stated.
Currently, trade licenses are issued under the label 'Buffalo Meat Shop' in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and various municipal corporations, city councils, and town panchayats. The request was made to change this to 'Beef Shop' instead, Ramesh noted.
On March 6, 2025, a meeting occurred at Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan's office, located on the First Floor of Vikas Soudha, in Rooms 143 to 146. Officials from BBMP's Animal Husbandry Department, the State Urban Development Department, slaughterhouse owners, minority traders, religious leaders, and some legislators from the minority community were present, according to Ramesh.
During the meeting, a surprising demand arose: since the Karnataka government has only prohibited cow slaughter, the anti-cow slaughter law only applies if cows are slaughtered within state borders. Therefore, they requested that the government enable the import of beef from neighboring states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu for sale in Karnataka, Ramesh's letter indicated.
Ramesh asserted that this "informal decision" made during the meeting is illegal and indirectly supports cow slaughter, thereby benefiting the slaughterhouse mafia.
He warned that if the government moves forward with issuing trade licenses under the name 'Beef Shop' instead of 'Buffalo Meat Shop' across BBMP and other municipal jurisdictions, a significant legal battle is unavoidable.
Additionally, if the Karnataka government permits beef imports from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, legal actions will be pursued against it, Ramesh stated.
The BJP leader emphasized that he requested Siddaramaiah to ensure that the sentiments of the majority community are respected.
Ramesh also urged Siddaramaiah to caution Minister Khan against engaging in such activities.
