Bangalore, Mar 20 (ANI): Karnataka Assembly has passed the controversial Bill banning slaughter of milch animals and draught cattle amidst stiff opposition from opposition benches.

After a mammoth debate the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill was adopted by the Assembly by voice vote on Friday evening.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the passing of Bill and said appreciated it is in the interest of preserving the rich cattle wealth of the State. Tabling the Bill before the House, State Home Minister V. S. Acharya said the Bill would ensure that the ban on cattle slaughter is in consonance with the provisions of Article 48 of the Constitution, the various orders of the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court.

Addressing the Assembly, Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa said the Government had not brought forth the legislation to put down the interests of any community or section of the people.

“There are similar legislation in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and several other States. Our larger aim is to save the cattle wealth for the benefit of the farming community and the people,” Yeddyurappa said.

“It should be noted that even the former Prime Minister, the late Indira Gandhi, had written to all State governments in 1982 suggesting a total ban on slaughter of cattle. Severe penalties have been incorporated in the legislation only to ensure an effective enforcement,” he added.

Acharya said the Bill, had been brought about following the demand from a large section of the people.

“There is nothing political. We had brought forth certain amendments to the earlier Act in the Belgaum session of the legislature and thereafter withdrew it only to bring forth a more comprehensive legislation,” Acharya said.

Opposing the Bill, Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, Deputy Leader T.B. Jayachandra, and former Union Minister V. Srinivasa Prasad, alleged that there was nothing comprehensive in the Bill, which had stood the test for nearly 50 years should suffice. (ANI)