Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday, 25 May 2025, reacted sharply to reports that Saudi Arabia is considering restrictions on the sacrifice of large animals, including cows and camels, and simultaneously launched a pointed attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks predicting the fall of the Narendra Modi government. Singh made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Patna.

Singh on Animal Slaughter and Gulf Restrictions

The Union Minister claimed that discussions are reportedly underway in several Gulf countries regarding curbs on the slaughter of large animals. He argued that there is no Quranic basis for cow sacrifice, calling the controversy in India unnecessary.

'They are Arab Muslims, genuine Muslims; they are not converted Muslims. There is no mention anywhere in the Quran of cow sacrifice, and this unnecessary controversy is being created in India,' Singh said.

He further alleged that certain groups in India — including what he described as 'converted Muslims' in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — raise the issue of cow slaughter specifically to hurt Hindu sentiments. 'Because Hindus worship cows, they started doing so,' he added.

Call for Strict Legal Compliance

Singh stressed that animal slaughter across India must strictly adhere to existing legal provisions. He urged state governments, including the Bihar government, to take firm action against any violations. He also praised certain state administrations for regulating public slaughter practices.

'I would like to thank the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal for banning slaughter on roads,' he said.

The minister also accused opposition parties of pursuing appeasement politics for electoral gains, alleging that such politics has contributed to recurring social and communal tensions in the country.

Sharp Rebuttal to Rahul Gandhi

Responding to Rahul Gandhi's reported claim that the Modi government would fall within a year, Singh dismissed the prediction outright and questioned the Congress leader's credibility. 'If Rahul Gandhi is an astrologer, then he should first speak about his own future,' he said.

Singh also alleged that Gandhi was attempting to divert public attention from questions related to his own financial disclosures — specifically citing alleged income of ₹11 crore and ₹60 crore reportedly spent on foreign travel. He called on anyone facing allegations of financial irregularities to respond transparently before the public and the law.

Defence of PM Modi's Foreign Visits

Addressing criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's overseas engagements, Singh said the Prime Minister had already clarified that such visits were tied to official government business spanning sectors including crude oil, gas, semiconductors, and defence cooperation. Singh maintained that these trips served India's national interest and were not comparable to private foreign expenditure.

The remarks come amid a broader political exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress ahead of a politically charged period, with both sides escalating rhetoric on governance, accountability, and communal issues.