Vikram Saini, a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Uttar Pradesh’s Khatauli constituency, has said that he will break the limbs of those who kill cows, ANI reported. Saini had been arrested for making inflammatory speeches during the Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013.
In a video being circulated on social media, the MLA is purportedly seen making the statement amid cheers while addressing an event in Muzaffarnagar on Saturday. “Any person who is unwilling to say ‘Vande Mataram’, or is not proud to voice nationalistic slogans, or does not consider the cow a mother, or kills cows, I promise I will break their hands and legs,” he said.
On Sunday, Saini was unapologetic for his controversial comments and insisted he had done no wrong. “I speak the language of a villager. I said nothing wrong. Should I worship those who kill cows and rape our sisters?” Saini told India Today.
The MLA made the comments as newly-inducted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath has ordered a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and meat shops in the state. Several meat shops in UP have shut shop because of scarcity of meat. Lucknow has suffered the most with the only four legal slaughterhouses shut down between 2013 and 2015. On March 21, three meat shops owned by members of the Muslim community were set ablaze in Hathras.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!