The beef festival proposed by some of the student unions of Osmania University on December 10 is becoming a major controversy with a BJP MLA from the city Raja Singh strongly opposing it and declaring that they would obstruct the same at any cost. The Beef festival issue has also created differences within the BJP with the MLA demanding removal of State BJP President G Kishan Reddy, for his remarks on beef eating.
Addressing the media here today, the BJP MLA from Goshamahal has warned the organizers of the beef festival against hurting the sentiments of the Hindus. While people have the right to eat anything of their choice, some sections should not hurt their religious sentiments in the name of freedom of choice, he stated, adding that Kishan Reddy had insulted the sentiments of Hindus by stating that anyone could eat non-vegetarian food.
Asserting that he was prepared to do anything for protection of the Cow, Raja Singh said they have the right to stop cow killers. He warned that such a festival should be stopped to avoid Dadri type of incident taking place in Telangana. He further said that “as Hindus, we have to stop the beef festival.” He also said that he would continue to oppose the festival, whether the BJP supports him or not. He called upon the lovers of cow to join him in stopping the beef festival. Raja Singh accused the Telangana State government of backing the cow slaughter houses. He said, “We believe in Shiva ji Maharaj”.
It may be mentioned that a delegation of BJP, VHP and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, led by Raja Singh Lodh, submitted memorandums to principal secretary Ranjeev R Acharya, who is also in charge vice-chancellor of Osmania University, stating that the university should ensure a peaceful environment on the campus. irrespective of caste and community.
The BJP MLA mounted a scathing attack on Kishan Reddy for his remarks on beef eating and demanding him to withdraw the statement and offer an open apology to the Hindus. He alleged that Kishan Reddy was not extending any cooperation to party leaders like Chintala Ramachandra Reddy, Dr K Laxman, Dr Nagam Janardhan Reddy and NVVS Prabhakar and others. He said under the leadership of Kishan Reddy, the party was getting weakened. He said he has addressed a letter to BJP national President Amith Shah to replace Kishan Reddy as State BJP President. (NSS)