No beef ban, tourists can eat everything, says Goa minister
At a time when lynchings are taking place in the name of beef, Goa tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said that beef isn't banned in the state and tourists can eat whatever they feel like. He also said, "In Goa, Hindus, Muslims, Catholics have been staying together for many years. An environment of communal harmony prevails there."
May 26: Centre issued new rules for cattle traders
With the beef ban in several states, the Centre had issued new rules on May 26th which required cattle traders to give an undertaking that animals being sold at markets would only be used for agricultural purposes.
Ban on cattle slaughter did not affect Goa's tourism industry
"The Centre's earlier notification on sale of cattle in animal markets for slaughter had no impact on the tourism industry in the state," said Goa's tourism minister. Ajgaonkar also mentioned that the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) did not affect the state's tourism.
Beef ban row: One issue, multiple opinions
The dubious nature of the BJP government when it comes to beef ban in Goa has been quite visible of late. While the Centre comes out with new rules for cattle traders, an official from the state claim there is no ban on eating beef in the state. Let's have a look at the varied opinions of the leaders on beef ban.
No plans on banning beef in Goa: Amit Shah
BJP national president Amit Shah who was on a visit to Goa on July 1 to discuss the party's organizational issues with the local leadership had made it clear that BJP had no plans to ban beef in Goa. Shah had said, "Goa has a law disallowing cow slaughter and it was passed during Congress regime. We have no plans to ban beef here."
"Will ban consumption of beef in Goa": VHP
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had earlier in April said that it is capable of imposing a total ban on cow slaughter and consumption of beef in Goa in next couple of years, without the government's help. VHP's senior member, Radha Krishna Manori had said it will impose the ban in Goa with the help of the Bajrang Dal and the Durga Vahini activists.
Maharashtra to get detection kits to identify beef
If you thought that the controversy surrounding beef ban in Goa was all; then no, you are wrong. Goa's neighbouring state, Maharashtra has gone a step ahead and will soon bring meat detection kits which will help identify 'beef'. The kits will test the meat and give the result (if it is beef) in just 30 minutes, said an official.
