Beef ban is nothing but diversion from core issues: Congress

Terming the banning of beef in Maharashtra a diversion from core issues concerning people of the state, Congress today said the BJP-led government has shown its true colours after coming to power. AICC General Secretary Mohan Prakash said that at a time when farmers are reeling under severe debt due to crop loss in the state, the Devendra Fadnavis government is concentrating on playing "unnecessary appeasement politics".

"Instead of addressing core issues, the government is trying to divert the minds of people by banning beef which will really not help the state economy in any way. Their agenda is not to address the real problems. They have shown (their) true colours after coming to power," Prakash said. He was addressing a gathering at the inauguration of Congress leader Narayan Rane's election office ahead of the Kherwadi Assembly by-poll. 

"Before Lok Sabha polls, there were many people like Baba Ramdev who wholeheartedly supported BJP and its promises. But, they have run away from the limelight now realising that the promises were nothing but a farce," he said. He said before the elections, BJP succeeded in diverting minds of people and now they are snatching away the rights of the poor and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pushing for Land Acquisition Bill knowing very well that it will ruin the lives of farmers.

On the occasion, Rane said while the state government has not been able to deliver on any poll promise, prices of essential commodities have increased during the current regime. "Except promises, the state has not received anything. They have been here for five months now, but they only succeeded in raising the costs of essential commodities," Rane said.

The Bandra East bypoll, to be held on April 11, has become a high-profile contest as Rane, a former Shiv Sainik and Chief Minister during NDA rule in 1995, will take on Sena in the constituency which houses the residence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray. Former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde, state NCP president Sunil Tatkare, CWC member Raj Babbar, MRCC president Sanjay Nirupam were also present on the occasion.