Maneka Gandhi says ‘ISKCON biggest cheat, they sell cows to butchers’, temple authority reacts

Maneka Gandhi says ‘ISKCON biggest cheat, they sell cows to butchers’, temple authority reacts

Maneka Gandhi, a BJP MP and former minister known for her animal rights activism, made strong allegations against the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), referring to it as the “biggest cheat” in India. In a video that has gone viral, Gandhi claimed that ISKCON, despite receiving government benefits and having gaushalas (cowsheds) across the country, allegedly sells cows to butchers.

Gandhi specifically mentioned her visit to ISKCON’s cowshed in Anantapur city, Andhra Pradesh, where she claimed that she couldn’t find any cow that didn’t give milk or calves. She accused ISKCON of operating dairies and not maintaining any dry cows (those that have not been milked) or calves, implying that all of them may have been sold to butchers.

Furthermore, Gandhi criticized ISKCON for singing “Hare Ram Hare Krishna” on the streets and claiming that their entire life depends on milk, while allegedly selling cattle to butchers. She suggested that ISKCON’s actions may be contradictory to its stated values and questioned why other organizations are not held to the same scrutiny.

These allegations are serious and, if true, could raise concerns about the ethical practices of certain organizations involved in cow protection and animal welfare. It remains to be seen if there will be any official investigations or responses from ISKCON or relevant authorities regarding these claims.

The response from ISKCON’s national spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, is crucial in addressing the serious allegations made by Maneka Gandhi. By dismissing these claims and providing information and evidence to support ISKCON’s position, the organization is attempting to maintain its reputation and credibility.

In cases of allegations that involve public figures and organizations with a significant following, it’s essential for all parties involved to present their perspectives transparently and, if necessary, for relevant authorities to conduct investigations to establish the truth.

ISKCON, as a prominent global organization, likely understands the importance of addressing such allegations promptly and comprehensively to maintain the trust of its devotees and the broader public. The matter may continue to attract attention and scrutiny, and a transparent and open dialogue about the allegations will be important in reaching a resolution.

According to Das, ISKCON has a longstanding commitment to cow and bull protection and care, not only in India but globally. He asserted that the organization serves cows and bulls for their entire lives and does not sell them to butchers, countering the allegations made by Gandhi.

In support of their stance, Das shared a letter from a veterinary doctor regarding the Anantapur cowshed and assessment statements from the local Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). He also mentioned that the workers at the Anantapur cowshed could not recall Maneka Gandhi visiting the facility.

The response from ISKCON’s national spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, included sharing additional information and evidence to support the organization’s position. This included the release of CCTV footage from September 24 at the Anantapur goshala, showing the non-milking cows at the facility.

In response to questions regarding the utilization of non-dairy cows, Das explained that different ISKCON facilities have various mechanisms and volunteer efforts to put non-milking cows to use. Some facilities may convert cow dung (gobar) into manure, while others may create panchagavya items such as dhoop (incense), diya (oil lamps), jivamrut (a type of organic fertilizer), and cakes for havan (ritual offerings). In certain cases where feasible, biogas plants may also be in use.

The sharing of this information and evidence is part of ISKCON’s efforts to refute the allegations made by Maneka Gandhi and to provide transparency regarding their practices with regard to cow protection and care.

It’s worth noting that allegations of this nature can be complex and sensitive, and it’s important for relevant authorities to conduct investigations if required to determine the accuracy of the claims and counterclaims. Public and governmental scrutiny may follow, especially when such allegations involve a prominent organization like ISKCON and are raised by a former central minister.