Lucknow: Aam Aadmi Party Uttar Pradesh chief spokesperson Vanshraj Dubey has criticised the state government over the alleged poor condition of cow shelters and reported deaths of cattle, particularly following incidents in Budaun district.
Addressing the issue, Dubey alleged that the government’s claims of cow protection were being undermined by administrative negligence and inadequate arrangements at shelters. He cited incidents at cow shelters in Abhigaon and Byaur in the Bisauli and Salarpur areas of Budaun, where, according to his claims, cattle were exposed to prolonged waterlogging and muddy conditions following heavy rainfall.
Dubey alleged that cattle had remained in water and mud for extended periods in the absence of adequate drainage, dry fodder and shelter. He claimed that while the administration had reported 34 cattle deaths, local residents and eyewitnesses had put the number significantly higher. These figures and allegations could not be independently established from the material provided.
He also questioned action reportedly taken against lower-level officials and veterinary personnel. Dubey alleged that responsibility for drainage and maintenance at the shelters rested with the concerned development authorities and called for accountability at senior administrative levels.
The AAP spokesperson further alleged that problems in cow shelters extended beyond Budaun and claimed that temporary shelters in parts of Bundelkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh faced shortcomings related to shelter, boundaries, fodder and drainage. He also linked stray cattle to crop damage and road accidents, while questioning the utilisation of funds allocated for cow protection.
Dubey demanded that the state government publish a white paper detailing expenditure on cow shelters and cattle deaths, and called for a judicial inquiry monitored by a sitting High Court judge into alleged financial irregularities in cow protection programmes.
He also sought criminal action against senior officials and other persons found responsible, along with 24-hour live CCTV monitoring of cow shelters and local monitoring committees involving social workers.
Dubey said the AAP would launch a statewide public movement if the government failed to improve conditions in cow shelters and take action against those found responsible.
