Explosive Allegations of Cow Sales to Butchers at ISKCON Center, Prompting Strong Denial

In a sensational video statement released today, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, Maneka Gandhi, made startling claims that cows from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) were being sold to butchers, suggesting widespread fraud within the organization.

The video quickly stirred controversy and raised questions about the treatment of cows at ISKCON centers.

Maneka Gandhi, known for her outspoken advocacy for animal rights, made the following accusations in the video: “Listen to Maneka Gandhi. This is an explosive video. ISKCON people are the biggest fraudsters in the country.

मैं कई सालों से कह रहा हूँ भारत का सबसे बोगस और फ़र्ज़ीवाडा कोई संस्थान हैं तो वो ISKON हैं। अब तो भाजपा सरकार की वरिष्ठ नेता मानेका गांधी जी ने भी बोल दिया। ये सड़क पर हरे कृष्ण चिल्लाते हैं पर भीतर इनका बड़ा एजेंडा है। ISKON घनघोर जातिवादी भी है। कोई इनका प्रभुपाद है उसने तो… pic.twitter.com/tgrZx0VYi0

— Prashant Kanojia (@KanojiaPJ) September 26, 2023

They take funds from the government all over the world to raise cows. I went to his cow shed, but did not find even a single dry cow. Neither any calf. All were sold. ISKCON is selling all the cows to butchers. No one else is selling cows as much as these butchers.”

These allegations, if true, could have significant implications for ISKCON, which is renowned for its dedication to cow protection and its promotion of vegetarianism. The organization has received government grants and international donations to support its efforts in caring for cows and promoting Krishna’s consciousness.

In response to Maneka Gandhi’s claims, ISKCON India’s spokesperson, Country Director of Communications, and national Spokesperson of ISKCON India, Yudhishthir Govind Das, issued a statement categorically denying the allegations. He stated,

The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged. In ISKCON, cows and bulls are cared for throughout their lives; they are not sold to butchers.

— Yudhishthir Govind Das

ISKCON, founded in 1966 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has been at the forefront of promoting cow protection and vegetarianism in India. Cows are considered sacred in the Hare Krishna tradition, and the organization has been involved in numerous initiatives to care for and protect these animals.

The allegations made by Maneka Gandhi have raised concerns among animal rights activists, devotees, and the general public. Calls for a thorough investigation into the matter have been growing, as both sides present contrasting claims.

This explosive development has sent shockwaves through the country, prompting many to demand a transparent investigation to ascertain the truth behind these allegations. The fate of the cows at ISKCON and the organization’s reputation now hang in the balance, awaiting further investigation and clarification.