By Dhairya Gajara

Mumbai: Vishwa Hindu Parishad welcomed Maharashtra government’s decision declaring cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ and expressed gratefulness to the state government. The Konkan division of the Hindu organisation said that the move will bring an end to cow slaughter in the state and it expects the government to prioritise the protection of cows along with preventing action against Bajrang Dal members engaged in protecting cows.

Ahead of the Assembly elections later this year, the Shinde-led Maharashtra government on Monday issued an order declaring cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ citing the cultural importance of cows in India and its traditions. The Maharashtra cabinet has also decided to implement a subsidy scheme of Rs 50 per day for rearing of indigenous cows.

Following state government’s order, the Vishwa Hindu parishad expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis citing the decision as historic. The Konkan division of the Hindu organisation said that the step reflects the government’s commitment towards the protection of religious and cultural values and also respects the sentiments of crores of cow-worshippers and religious people of the country.

This story was originally published in freepressjournal.in. Read the full story here.