PANJIM: BJP National Spokesperson Dr Sambit Patra dodged media questions on the raging controversy regarding beef in the country, even as Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik conceded that there is anxiety amongst people on the issue.
“Yes, there is certain anxiety among the people. Some people have come forward with the issue. It is for the government to decide on the beef issue,” Naik reluctantly said in reply to a media question on the sidelines of a press conference held to announce the achievements of the Narendra Modi government at party’s head office in Panjim on Saturday.
Patra, who reeled off a long list on the achievements of Modi-led government, however, refused to comment on apprehensions surrounding beef ban and cow slaughter. “My mandate is to speak on the three years’ achievement of Modi government. I will not trespass beyond my mandate,” Patra said, declining to respond to repeated questions on the controversy in the country.
Responding to another question on a recent remark by Rajasthan High Court Judge on making the cow a national animal, Patra said, “I have come here to comment on the three years’ achievement of the Modi government. I don’t talk about court.”
As he spoke at length on the achievements of the Modi-government, Patra said that Goa has often been given priority. “Goa is a blue-eyed State. Goa has been given priority and importance on the infrastructural projects. Under Nitin Gadkariji (Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways), Goa has been granted Rs 12,000 crore for bridges, roads and other projects, besides Rs 500 crore for airport extension and many more like setting up of IIT and upgradation of GMC. Goa is also to get National Institute of Ayurveda, and National Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy in addition to two Ayurvedic hospitals,” he added.
