The International Society for Krishna Consciousness takes legal action against BJP MP for unsubstantiated claims.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has escalated its response to serious accusations made by BJP MP Maneka Gandhi, issuing a Rs 100 crore defamation notice in response to her allegations of cow slaughter within the organization.
In an undated video, Maneka Gandhi, known for her animal rights activism, was captured making claims against ISKCON, accusing the organization of selling its cows to butchers. In the video, she asserts, “ISKCON establishes gaushalas and earns unlimited benefits for the same from the government, in the form of huge lands. It is selling all its cows to the butchers, and no one else does this more than them. They are the ones who roam on the road chanting ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ and say their entire life is dependent on milk.”
ISKCON, vehemently denying these allegations as “unsubstantiated and false,” has chosen to pursue legal action against Maneka Gandhi, a former Union minister and a prominent figure within the BJP.
Radharaman Das, Vice-president of ISKCON Kolkata, expressed the profound disappointment felt by ISKCON devotees worldwide regarding Maneka Gandhi’s comments. He stated, “The comments of Maneka Gandhi were very unfortunate. Our devotees across the world are very hurt. We are taking legal action of defamation of Rs 100 crore against her. We have sent her a notice today. How can an MP, once a Union minister, lie without any evidence against such a big society?”
Furthermore, ISKCON contradicted Maneka’s claim of visiting Anantapur Gaushala in Andhra Pradesh, stating that no one at the gaushala had any recollection of her visit.
Denouncing Maneka’s accusations, ISKCON clarified its position, stating, “Within India, ISKCON runs more than 60 goshalas protecting hundreds of sacred cows and bulls and providing personalized care for their entire lifetime. Many of the cows presently served in ISKCON’s goshalas were brought to us after being found abandoned, injured, or rescued from being slaughtered.”
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also weighed in on the matter, condemning Maneka Gandhi’s allegations as “disgusting.” He characterized her remarks as part of a broader conspiracy aimed at sowing discord in society. Akhilesh remarked, “The question in the minds of the people is why the BJP leaders want to spread animosity in society and at whose instance. Allegations on ISKCON are an indication of a larger conspiracy.”
As the legal battle unfolds, these allegations and ISKCON’s response continue to draw significant attention in Indian political and social spheres.
