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The Maharashtra government's recent declaration of indigenous cow breeds as 'Rajyamata-Gomata' (state mother cow) is a politically charged move that has generated significant attention in the lead-up to the state assembly elections. The decision, made by the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, highlights the cultural, agricultural, and medicinal significance attributed to indigenous cows in India, particularly within the context of Hindu religious beliefs and traditional practices.
The state's Agriculture, Dairy Development, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries Department underscored the importance of indigenous cows in Indian culture since the Vedic period. The statement emphasized the benefits of their milk for human consumption, and the relevance of cow dung and cow urine in traditional practices such as Ayurveda, Panchgavya treatment (an ancient system of using five cow products), and organic farming. This emphasis on traditional beliefs and practices is likely intended to appeal to a significant portion of the electorate who hold these values dearly.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in announcing the decision, highlighted the economic benefits of indigenous cows for farmers, stating that the government would provide support for their rearing at goshalas (cow shelters). The announcement also alluded to the broader political agenda of promoting a sense of cultural and religious nationalism, a strategy often employed by right-wing parties in India to garner support.
Furthermore, the Maharashtra Cabinet's approval of the second and third reports of the Justice Shinde committee, which was established to finalize protocols for issuing Kunbi-Maratha and Maratha-Kunbi certificates based on historical records, is a significant development related to the Maratha community's long-standing demand for inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. This decision could have substantial implications for the electoral landscape, as the Maratha community constitutes a significant voting bloc in the state.
The Maharashtra government's actions, particularly the declaration of indigenous cows as 'state mother' and the move to address Maratha community demands, are likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming state assembly elections. These decisions reflect the complex interplay of cultural, religious, economic, and political considerations that characterize Indian politics, and demonstrate the strategic use of such issues to mobilize voters and gain electoral advantage.
Source: Ahead of polls, Maharashtra declares indigenous cow 'Rajyamata-Gomata'