In a surprising turn of events, BJP Member of Parliament (MP) Maneka Gandhi has raised allegations against the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), accusing the organization of selling cows to butchers. Gandhi made these claims in a widely circulated video.
Speaking in Hindi, she stated, “The biggest cheater in the country is ISKON. They have several cow shelters and avail benefits from governments to run those cow shelters. They get lands and other facilities to run those cow shelters. I recently went to Anantpur Goshala (cow shelter), and I found not a single cow was dry. In the entire dairy, there was not a single calf, which means all have been sold to butchers…They say their entire life is dependent on milk…Probably no one has sold as many cattle to butchers as they did.”
Gandhi’s allegations gained traction as a viral video, sparking controversy and public concern.
In response, ISKCON issued a firm denial of these allegations, describing them as “unsubstantiated” and “false.” The temple organization emphasized its commitment to cow and bull protection and care, not only within India but also globally.
ISKCON spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das clarified, “ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally. The cows and bulls are served for their life, not sold to butchers as alleged.”
He further highlighted that ISKCON runs over 60 cow shelters in India, where sacred cows and bulls receive personalized care for their entire lifetimes. Many of these animals were rescued after being abandoned, injured, or saved from slaughter.
To counter Gandhi’s allegations, ISKCON provided evidence, including a letter from a veterinary doctor regarding the Anantapur Govt Goshala, which serves 76 bulls and 246 non-milking cows alongside milking cows.
The spokesperson also shared CCTV footage from September 24th of the Anantapur goshala, which provides further support for their claims that cows are not sold to butchers.
ISKCON clarified that the cows and bulls under their care are looked after for their entire natural lives. Depending on the location, some shelters utilize mechanisms and volunteers to repurpose cow dung into manure or create panchagavya items like dhoop (incense), diya (lamp), jivamrut (organic fertilizer), and cakes for havan (ritual fire offerings). In places where feasible, biogas plants are also implemented.
ISKCON expressed surprise at the allegations raised by Maneka Gandhi, considering her reputation as an animal rights activist and supporter of their organization.
