In September 2023, a controversy erupted when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Maneka Gandhi accused the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of being the “biggest cheat” in the country. Her allegations centered on ISKCON’s purported sale of cows from its gaushalas (cowsheds) to butchers. This accusation sent shockwaves across the nation. However, ISKCON vehemently denied these allegations, asserting they are “unsubstantiated” and “false.” What is the controversy surrounding Maneka Gandhi’s allegations against ISKCON?
Maneka Gandhi and ISKCON
Maneka Gandhi is an Indian politician, animal rights activist, and environmentalist. She is a BJP member and has served as a MP since 1989. She is also the founder of the People for Animals (PFA), India’s largest animal welfare organization. Gandhi has been a vocal advocate for animal rights and environmental protection throughout her career. She has worked to strengthen animal welfare laws and regulations in India. She has also been involved in several campaigns to protect endangered species and habitats. She also strongly supports cow protection, which is a sensitive issue in India.
ISKCON, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is a global religious organization that was founded in 1966 by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. ISKCON is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam, two of the most important Hindu scriptures. ISKCON is known for its distinctive devotional practices, which include chanting mantras, singing bhajans, and dancing. It is also known for its vegetarian diet and emphasis on simple living. ISKCON has temples and centers all over the world, and its members come from a variety of backgrounds.
ISKCON has played an important role in the spread of Hinduism around the world. It has also been involved in many social and charitable activities, including cow protection. ISKCON operates more than 60 gaushalas in India, providing shelter and personalized care for sacred cows and bulls. Many of these animals have been rescued from abandonment, injury, or the brink of slaughter.
The Allegations and Controversy
In 2023, Maneka Gandhi accused ISKCON of selling cows from its gaushalas to butchers in a video that quickly went viral on social media. Gandhi’s allegations were serious and drew widespread attention. She claimed that ISKCON maintained these gaushalas and received government benefits, including extensive land grants and tax exemptions. During her visit to ISKCON’s Anantpur Gaushala in Andhra Pradesh, she purportedly could not find a cow that didn’t produce milk or calves, which led her to assert that all the cows had been sold. She emphasized this point by alleging that ISKCON was selling its cows to butchers, a charge she made with a sense of urgency.
In response to these accusations, ISKCON promptly denied them, categorizing Gandhi’s claims as “unsubstantiated and false.” The organization vehemently defended its commitment to the welfare and protection of cows within India and globally. ISKCON maintained that their cows and bulls were cared for throughout their natural lives, contrary to the allegations of selling them for slaughter.
The Disputed Visit
Maneka Gandhi’s visit to ISKCON’s Anantpur Gaushala is contentious in the controversy. ISKCON’s spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, stated there is no record of her visit to the gaushala. No staff or workers recall meeting her during her alleged inspection, raising questions about her claims’ accuracy and the basis upon which she made such serious allegations.
The Role of Non-Dairy Cows
To address the allegations regarding the fate of non-dairy cows, ISKCON provided insights into their approach. According to their national spokesperson, cows and bulls are cared for throughout their natural lives in ISKCON gaushalas. Depending on the location, various mechanisms are employed to utilize cow dung and other by-products. Some gaushalas have volunteers who convert cow dung into valuable items like manure, dhoop (incense), diya (lamps), jivamrut (organic fertilizer), and cakes for havan (ritual fire offerings). In some cases, biogas plants are also established for sustainable waste management.
The Bigger Picture
The controversy between Maneka Gandhi and ISKCON underscores India’s sensitivity to cow protection and welfare issues. Cows are revered in Indian culture, often regarded as “gaumata” or mother cows. The allegations made by Maneka Gandhi not only targeted ISKCON but also raised broader questions about cow treatment in India.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the critical role that cows play in Indian society, both culturally and economically. As the debate continues, it is essential to maintain transparency and factual accuracy when discussing such sensitive issues. The allegations against ISKCON have shone a spotlight on the larger conversation surrounding cow protection in India, and it remains to be seen how this dispute will ultimately be resolved.
 Member of Parliament (MP) Maneka Gandhi accused ISKCON for...){kind=link}