TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 16, 2024: In a bid to draw attention to the escalating issue of stray cattle in Chhattisgarh, the Congress party organized a statewide Gau Satyagraha, with party workers driving stray animals to government offices across various districts and blocks. Prominent leaders, including State Congress President Deepak Baij, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant, and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, participated in the protest, expressing their concerns over the government’s handling of the problem.
Deepak Baij, State Congress President, slammed the ruling BJP government for what he termed as “gross negligence” towards the welfare of cattle since taking office. He criticized the closure of the Godhan Nyay Yojana, a scheme launched by the previous Congress government to support cattle welfare. Baij argued that the discontinuation of the scheme has led to a surge in stray cattle, causing accidents and damage to crops across the state.
“Not only are the cattle suffering, but the public is also at risk, with increased road accidents and open grazing threatening both lives and livelihoods,” Baij stated.
He warned that if the government fails to address the issue, the Congress party will escalate its protest.
Dr. Charandas Mahant, Leader of the Opposition**, joined the Gau Satyagraha in Bilaspur, where he emphasized the success of the Gothan initiative under the previous Congress administration.
“We constructed around 10,000 Gothans to protect crops and ensure the welfare of cattle. Sadly, the current government halted this initiative, leading to an increase in road accidents and damage to agriculture,” Mahant said. He called for the immediate revival of the Gothan system to mitigate the crisis.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel participated in the protest in Patan, his assembly constituency. Baghel echoed his colleagues’ concerns, noting that the closure of Gothans and the discontinuation of the Roka Chheka program—another initiative aimed at preventing open grazing—has worsened the situation.
“The government’s inaction has not only put cattle at risk but has also made it harder for farmers to protect their crops. The rise in cattle smuggling is a direct consequence of this negligence,” Baghel asserted, referencing recent reports of smuggling incidents in Jashpur district.
The Congress party’s Gau Satyagraha has put the spotlight on the stray cattle crisis in Chhattisgarh, pressing the BJP government to take swift and decisive action.
