Anti-cow slaughter Bill passed in Karnataka

Amid uproarious scenes with Opposition members tearing copies of the Bill and protesting in the Well of the House, The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020, was passed by voice vote on Monday in the Legislative Council. This was even because the Opposition Congress and the Janata Dal (S), whose mixed energy types a majority in the House, demanded a division of vote.

It could also be recalled that with no help from the Janata Dal (S), the BJP had did not get the Bill passed in the council over the last session in December 2020, forcing the federal government to promulgate an ordinance.

The Bill was tabled once more in the council on Monday.

B.K. Hariprasad, Congress MLC, informed presspersons that the federal government had “bulldozed” its manner by means of and passed the Bill and the Opposition would proceed the protest on Tuesday. Significantly, the Janata Dal (S), that’s in alliance with the BJP for the Council Chairman’s election scheduled to be held on Tuesday, additionally opposed the Bill. “Congress and Janata Dal (S) members raised objections to the Bill and sought a division of vote, which was not allowed. When the BJP does not independently hold a majority in the House, how could the Bill be passed by voice vote when division was sought?” Mr. Hariprasad questioned.

Extended debate sought

After practically two hours of debate on the Bill on Monday, Congress and Janata Dal (S) members demanded an prolonged debate on the essential Bill to be taken up on Tuesday. However, Deputy Chairman M.K. Pranesh stated for the reason that movement of thanks for the Governor’s speech was to be taken up for debate on Tuesday, the Bill needed to be put to vote on Monday.

Janata Dal (S) member Maritibbe Gowda objected to the restriction of debate, saying both the talk have to be taken up on Tuesday or everybody have to be given an opportunity to talk even when it meant an “all-night session”. Mr. Pranesh, nonetheless, restricted the time of the talk until 7.30 p.m., resulting in protests.

Mr. Pranesh took up the Bill for voting, resulting in extra outrage among the many Opposition members. Some of the Congress members rushed to the Well of the House and tore copies of the Bill, whereas others, together with Janata Dal (S) members went to the Speaker’s desk and protested. Meanwhile, the BJP members raised slogans of “Gomata ki Jai”.

Amidst the pandemonium, Mr. Pranesh put the Bill to voice vote and introduced it had been accepted and adjourned the House until Tuesday.