Is Mankal Vaidya leading Fisheries Ministry or Cow Vigilantism?
Uttara Kannada: Coastal fisheries play a crucial role in Karnataka’s economy, yet the sector continues to struggle with long-standing problems that remain unaddressed. Fishermen have been demanding the development of key ports such as Malpe, Gangolli, Koderi, and Shirur, along with a uniform fisheries policy, better inter-state coordination, the withdrawal of cesses levied on boats, an increase in diesel subsidies, and stricter control over destructive fishing methods like bull trawl-light fishing. Accommodation for fishermen, which has been a major concern for years, also remains unresolved.
However, instead of addressing these pressing issues, the state’s Fisheries Minister, Mankal Vaidya, has gone missing from the scene. Just when fishermen need a leader to stand up for their rights, the minister has instead made headlines for controversial remarks that echo the rhetoric of so-called cow vigilantes.
Reacting to a recent case of cattle theft in Uttara Kannada district, Mankal Vaidya made an alarming statement: “If cow theft continues, they will be rounded up and shot.” He went on to say, “Cow theft has been happening in Uttara Kannada for a long time. But now, we cannot remain silent. If such incidents continue, the police will have to be ordered to take the culprits to a junction and shoot them.”
This statement, coming from a minister holding a responsible position in the government, raises serious concerns. Instead of speaking the language of the Constitution and law enforcement, he has chosen to speak in the language of right-wing cow vigilante groups, who have a history of instigating violence under the guise of cow protection.
Theft, whether of cattle or any other property, is a punishable crime under Indian law. However, since cows have been turned into a political tool, their theft has become a highly sensitive issue. In Karnataka, accusations of cow theft are often directed at a specific community, despite the fact that on several occasions, members of the Sangh Parivar have been caught for cattle smuggling along the coastal belt. There have also been instances where BJP leaders have been linked to beef processing units and the export of beef.
In BJP-ruled Goa, beef is not only available freely, but it is now being directly exported from the state to the Middle East. There are even allegations that cows from various cow shelters are being illegally transported to slaughterhouses, a claim made by none other than BJP leader Maneka Gandhi. The ISKCON chief had even filed a defamation suit against her when she accused ISKCON of selling cows to slaughterhouses.
While the central government encourages beef exports in practice, it continues to portray itself as the protector of cows. The hypocrisy is evident - when poor farmers sell cows they can no longer maintain, when traders legally supply cattle to slaughterhouses, and when ordinary people consume beef, political parties suddenly start seeing cows as sacred ‘mothers.’
At a time when the issue of cow theft is being used as a political weapon, it is necessary to recognize the broader agenda at play. The Sangh Parivar has been actively organizing self-styled ‘cow protection’ forces that are often involved in violence, robbery, and even murder. Under the pretense of protecting cows, these groups have repeatedly attacked innocent people, especially farmers and dairy workers, who are exhausted by the growing menace of vigilante violence. There have even been cases where these so-called cow protectors have deliberately killed cattle just to incite riots.
If cases of cow theft occur, it is the government’s duty to ensure that the police take legal action against the criminals. However, instead of upholding the rule of law, Fisheries Minister Mankal Vaidya has issued an open call for extrajudicial killings. How justified is it for a sitting minister to encourage the police to take the law into their own hands? This is the question that the people of Uttara Kannada are now asking.
Mankal Vaidya is not unaware of the illegal activities being carried out by certain groups under the guise of cow protection. For a long time, there have been allegations that these organizations are indirectly involved in cattle smuggling in Karnataka. The reality is that people of all religious backgrounds have been caught stealing cattle. However, the minister’s recent statements specifically target one religious community, revealing a clear bias. His remarks appear to be an attempt to appease the Sangh Parivar rather than to ensure justice. Given the nexus between the police and right-wing groups in Karnataka, a minister’s call to ‘shoot cow thieves’ can have disastrous consequences.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must take decisive action against Mankal Vaidya for making such an irresponsible statement. It is clear that he has completely failed in handling the responsibilities of his portfolio. Instead of working for the welfare of fishermen, he has been working to strengthen the BJP’s influence in Uttara Kannada. His incompetence was a key reason why the Congress suffered a humiliating defeat in the district in the last Lok Sabha elections.
Even in Udupi, where he should be focusing on meeting Congress workers and addressing their grievances, he is instead seen meeting BJP leader Pramod Madhwaraj and then disappearing from the scene. When he is asked to protect the interests of fishermen, he chooses to align himself with cow vigilante groups instead exposing his misplaced priorities and political opportunism.
If Mankal Vaidya is removed from his ministerial post, it will not only be beneficial for the fishermen who have long been ignored but also for the Congress party in Uttara Kannada. Furthermore, it will uphold the legal system of the country and prevent Karnataka from further slipping into the chaos of extrajudicial violence in the name of cow protection. The state cannot afford ministers who prioritize hate-driven politics over real governance. The question remains - will the Congress leadership act before it’s too late?
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Himachal: 3 tourists dead, 10 injured as tempo falls into gorge in Kullu
Manali (HP) (PTI): Three tourists died while 10 others suffered serious injuries when their tourist tempo traveller skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on Saturday night, police said.
According to the District Disaster Management Authority, about 20 people were on board, and the vehicle was returning from Jalori Pass.
Preliminary reports suggest that the tourist vehicle skidded off the road due to slippery conditions created by incessant rains while descending toward Bhuntar on the 15 km stretch.
As many as 10 tourists have been rescued, and the condition of one of them is critical. Three tourists died on the spot.
Police, fire service personnel, and local administration are jointly conducting rescue operations.
The tourists were staying in a hotel in Jhibi, about 10 km away from Banjar town, where the accident occurred.
The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, officials said.
Further details are awaited.
