The State government would implement whatever judgments that would be passed by the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court over cases relating to the issue of cattle trade restriction, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami informed the Assembly, much to the dissatisfaction of not only the DMK, the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) but also three of AIADMK’s allies in the House.
In his reply to the special call attention motion moved by the DMK, the Congress, IUML and its allies Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi and Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaingar Peravai, Mr. Palaniswami said, “The cases relating to the issue are pending before the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court. This government would take a suitable stand after the judgments are passed and would act in line with the opinion of the majority of people.”
Since the Chief Minister did not accept their request to at least condemn the decision of the BJP government in the Centre, which they contended was against the personal rights of the people, the DMK, the Congress and the IUML staged a walkout from the House.
‘Farmers’ interests hit’
During his reply, the Chief Minister referred to the reported statement by Union Minister for Environment and Forest Harsh Vardhan that the Centre was considering some changes in the restrictions, following demands from various parts of the country urging changes in the rules. Mr. Palaniswami also said that a ban against cow slaughter has been in place in TN for 40 years now.
Leader of the Opposition M.K. Stalin raised the issue in the House and alleged that the restrictions were severe and against the interests of farmers in the country. Claiming that the entry was in the State list, Mr. Stalin referred to the special resolutions passed by the Assemblies in Kerala, Meghalaya and Puducherry against the restriction. “Why is the Tamil Nadu government silent on the issue till now?” he asked.
Congress Legislature Party Leader K.R. Ramasamy said the government should spell out its stand on the issue and reiterated that a resolution be passed against the restriction. IUML leader K.A.M. Muhammed Abubucker reiterated the same.