Beef controversy: Kerala demands Delhi police apology for high-handedness

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday said that the state government would take legal action against the Delhi police if it failed to apologise for conducting unlawful raids on Kerala House premises on Monday.

At a press conference here, Mr Chandy said he had apprised the Prime Minister and home Minister about the violation of law and propriety. “We are awaiting their reply. Instead of regretting if the Delhi police continues to justify its action, then government will take legal action,” he said. The Cabinet unanimously condemned the incident which was a deliberate attempt to create a scare and aimed at pleasing someone.

The Chief Minister said that buffalo meat would be served in Kerala House till the government banned its possession and sale. He said the law clearly stated that the powers of entry, search, seizure for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994, was vested with the animal husbandry department or veterinary officer.

Chief Minsiter Chandy said there was clear violation of law. He said Kerala was ready to show magnanimity if they admit their fault. Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oomen Chandyb said if the Delhi police insisted on justifying their illegal act then the state government would take legal action.

The contradiction in CM’s statement has raised several questions about his stand. While on the one hand he said that the law was violated, he also stated that the government was willing to forgive them.

When asked whether action would be taken against VHP Pratheesh Viswanath who had put the controversial post on the sale of beef, the Chief Minster said; “We are doing whatever is right all other issues will be decided after getting the reply.”

Rebutting the LDF’s charge on his soft approach on the beef issue and RSS, the CM said: “I cannot speak their language . I have my own style. They have tried to stone me to death but I never sought action agai-nst them. KPCC wanted to organise hartal but I opposed. That is my style. We will not allow any compromise or dilution of the issue. Buffalo meat will be served in Kerala house.”

When asked about the confusion in Congress over beef issue, the Chief Minister said there was no problem in the state as there was no ban. On whether beef issue will become a BJP campaign issue, he said, “Kerala people are aware about such issues,” he said.

He thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banjerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for supporting the state government on the issue.