Except for the dissent of lone Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member O. Rajagopal, members of the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front unanimously supported a motion moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a special session of the Assembly on Thursday against a Central notification issued on May 23, imposing curbs on cattle trade.
Mr. Rajagopal described the convening of the special session as a misuse of the Assembly to target the Centre and said it marked the launch of a larger alliance (Mahagatbandhan) of parties comprising both fronts against the BJP and the Centre. This stance was quite evident. The session was convened for discussing a non-issue to create confusion and concern among the people for reaping cheap political gains, he said.
The notification was issued four months ago on the basis of Supreme Court directions. There was no ban on meat sale. It was aimed at helping farmers. Though there were opportunities to register opinion against the notification, none had bothered to do it so far. The Centre had clarified that it was open to suggestions and for amendments too. Still, both fronts were unwilling to accept it and were pursuing it for political gains, he said.
Former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who initiated a discussion on the motion, said the State should frame a legislation against the notification. The State had a strong cooperative movement and hence more modern slaughter houses should be set up in the cooperative sector.
He termed the notification as a national tragedy and said that it was aimed at setting the ground for monopolising cattle trade for corporate majors such as Adani and Ambani.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala described it as an infringement on the personal freedom of the people to have food of their choice. He termed the notification as a surgical strike and sought a legislation against it. The notification was a sugar coated poison. It smacked of the bid to impose RSS-BJP agenda, he said.
Indian Union Muslim League leader M.K. Muneer warned political parties of all hues against communalising the issue for political advantage. The notification was issued in the interest of the corporate companies run by BJP leaders, he said.
Kerala Congress(M) leader K.M. Mani welcomed the move to hold the session and said that it needed to be viewed seriously. Members of CPI, CPI(M), Kerala Congress(B) and NCP too participated in the discussions.
