In a vociferous and strongly worded criticism aimed at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Maneka Gandhi, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has made grave allegations, suggesting that ISKCON is involved in what she characterizes as duplicitous activities. Specifically, she has asserted that the religious organization engages in the sale of cows from its gaushalas (cowsheds) to butchers.
ISKCON, renowned as the most prominent Krishna sect globally, has promptly refuted these allegations, categorizing them as "unverified and baseless." It is noteworthy that Ms. Gandhi, a former union minister and a prominent advocate for animal rights, frequently employs social media platforms to champion various causes related to animal welfare.
In a widely circulated video clip, Ms. Gandhi can be heard expressing her strongly held views on the matter. She goes on to assert that ISKCON, which operates and maintains gaushalas, or shelters for cows, receives substantial benefits from the government, including extensive tracts of land. Ms. Gandhi recalls her visit to ISKCON's Anantpur Gaushala in Andhra Pradesh, where she claims to have found no cows that were not actively producing milk or calves. She emphasizes that there were no "dry cows," which refers to cows that have not been milked for a certain period. Her conclusion from this visit is that all the cows must have been sold.
Ms. Gandhi then proceeds to make a damning allegation, contending that ISKCON is selling all of its cows to butchers, a practice that she asserts is unparalleled. She highlights the irony that while ISKCON members often sing "Hare Ram Hare Krishna" during their public gatherings, they are, in her view, involved in the sale of cattle to butchers, a stark contradiction to their proclaimed way of life, which heavily relies on milk and the sacredness of cows. She goes as far as to claim that no other entity has sold as many cattle to butchers as ISKCON, in her opinion.
ISKCON, through its national spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, has vehemently denied these allegations. Mr. Das states unequivocally that the religious organization has consistently been at the forefront of efforts to protect and care for cows and bulls, not only within India but on a global scale. He refutes any claims of cows and bulls being sold to butchers, asserting that these animals are dutifully served throughout their lifetimes.
ISKCON has played a pioneering role in cow protection initiatives, particularly in regions where beef consumption is prevalent, according to a statement issued by the organization. The statement expresses surprise at Ms. Gandhi's accusations, given her well-known role as an animal rights advocate and her historically favorable stance toward ISKCON.
It is important to note that ISKCON, closely associated with the Hare Krishna movement, boasts numerous temples worldwide and enjoys a substantial following of devoted adherents. ISKCON had garnered considerable media attention a couple of months prior when one of its monks made critical remarks about Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahansa. In response, the religious body took swift action by "banning" the monk, Amogh Lila Das, and sending him for atonement after his comments ignited a significant controversy.
Response to the unsubstantiated and false statements of Smt Maneka Gandhi.
— Yudhistir Govinda Das (@yudhistirGD) September 26, 2023
ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally.
The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged. pic.twitter.com/GRLAe5B2n6
