Azam Khan tells UP BJP to ask Centre to ban meat export

UP Minister Azam Khan today said problem of illegal slaughtering of lactating animals can be solved if the Centre brings a policy banning meat export.
Khan, while replying to an adjournment notice moved by BJP legislators Laxmikant Bajpai and Radha Mohan Das in the state Assembly on slaughtering of lactating animals for meat export, put the ball back in BJP's court asking them to demand from the NDA government to bring a policy banning meat export.
Bajpai pointed out that slaughter houses, mostly in the western districts of UP, were using lactating animals for the purpose due to which there was a shortage in milk, and synthetic milk was being sold in the markets.

While contending that it was alright if animals were slaughtered for consumption in the state or country, he said illegal slaughtering for export was wrong.
Lokendra Singh of BJP said that the matter was also associated with law and order while his fellow MLA Satish Mahana stressed that UP pollution control board has checked some slaughtering units and called for taking strong action against them.
Khan in his reply said that this issue should not be viewed from political or religious point of view and only those animals meant for the purpose should be slaughtered.

Saying that the excise duty earned from the export of meat goes to Centre, he said the UP BJP can make a big contribution in getting the Centre to impose a ban on meat export and promised to bring a motion of thanks in the House for them (BJP) if such a move comes through.

Khan's remarks led to a rejoinder from Bajpai and some heated exchanges ensued which were expunged from the record.
The Speaker however rejected the notice.