Prominent Indian Islamic scholar Maulana Arshad Madani has demanded that the cow be officially declared India`s national animal. Madani currently serves as the president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and vice-president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. He made the significant proposal through a recent post on the social media platform X. His statement arrived amid an ongoing debate over the West Bengal government`s strict new restrictions on cattle slaughter and sales.The senior Muslim leader believes this formal recognition could significantly strengthen social harmony across the nation.
Madani noted that the majority population deeply respects and considers the cow religiously sacred. He suggested that officially elevating its status might mitigate the endless political and social controversies surrounding cattle in various Indian states. The West Bengal administration recently imposed severe document verification rules for transporting and slaughtering livestock.
State officials heavily defended the move as a necessary step to curb smuggling and illegal cattle trade. The strict regulations have sparked mixed reactions across the state`s political and social spheres. Supporters praise the law enforcement aspect, while critics warn it could trigger fresh religious and cultural tensions.
