BJP, RSS 'doing politics' over cow protection: Rahul Gandhi

SHAHJAHANPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making cow "an election stunt" and slammed the BJP and RSS for "doing politics" in the name of protection of cows.

"During my ongoing Kisan Yatra from Deoria to Delhi, I have seen the plight of cows roaming on streets," he said during a roadshow here.

The Congress Vice President, who was addressing villagers during a 'Khaat Sabha' at Puwaya last night, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made cows nothing but "an election stunt".

He said that cows have been roaming on the streets and dying unattended in different parts of the country as there was none to take care of these animals.

"What is being done is just politics in the name of cow protection," he said.

His remarks came against the backdrop of rise in cases of atrocities against Dalits and members of minority communities by so-called cow protection groups.

Rahul accused Modi of failing to fulfil the promises made before the Lok Sabha elections, particularly about providing jobs to youths and bringing back black money from abroad.

"It is only Congress that keeps its promise," he said and cited the farm loan waiver when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre.

He said that the main purpose behind his yatra was to understand the problems faced by farmers and assured them that if his party came to power, the issues raised by them would be addressed effectively.