Udupi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Udupi on Friday, President of the World Animal Welfare Board and head of the Vishwa Goraksha Mahapeeth Swami Dayananda has once again accused the central government of allowing beef exports to rise significantly during Modi’s tenure, despite earlier promises to impose a nationwide ban on cow slaughter and beef exports. He alleged that instead of restricting cow slaughter and beef export, the trade has increased further under the present government.

Speaking at a press conference in Udupi, Swami Dayananda recalled that when Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat, he would publicly criticise the then central government for not banning cow slaughter and beef exports. “But today, after becoming prime minister for the third time, he has still not implemented a national ban. What is more unfortunate is that beef exports have increased under his rule,” he said.

He claimed that India has now emerged as the second-largest beef exporter in the world, a development he described as deeply troubling. Citing available figures, he said the total volume of meat exported from India has nearly doubled under the current government, despite repeated assurances of stricter cow protection measures.

Swami Dayananda further alleged that lakhs of cows, bulls, calves, and buffaloes are being slaughtered across the country, and their meat and leather are being exported in large quantities. Describing this as a “disturbing situation,” he said the ongoing practice reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to cow protection.

Referring to historical events, he noted that during the tenure of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, members of the Sangh Parivar had launched strong protests demanding a national law banning cow slaughter. “But today, even with a government that follows the ideology of the RSS, the central government has not enacted such a law, and the RSS itself is silent on this matter,” he said.

He pointed out that 16 states, including Karnataka, have already implemented complete bans on cow slaughter, with all BJP-ruled states enforcing strict measures. “If states can prohibit cow slaughter, what stops the Union government from legislating a nationwide ban?” he asked.

He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi—who will be stepping onto the sacred land of Sri Krishna in Udupi—to make a commitment to impose a ban on cow slaughter. He added that a memorandum in this regard will be submitted to the prime minister during his visit.