Congress aggressively took up the issue of “rashtra mata” or “mother of the nation” status for cow in the Gujarat Assembly. Leader of Opposition Shankersinh Vaghela had announced that his party would support the government if it goes ahead with a move to declare cow as “rashtra mata”.

"BJP should do introspection as to why someone gave his life. Cow is our mother and the BJP government must declare it as our national mother. If government agrees to do that, the Congress will support that move," Vaghela said.

Health Minister Nitin Patel launched an attack on the Congress, saying that the party has no right to speak about cow "as their leaders once supported those who eat beef". "A Congress MLA in Kerala even hosted a beef party in the past," he alleged.

"BJP claims to be a party of 'Gau-Bhakts (cow worshippers). You only promised to do everything possible to protect cows ahead of polls. You only promised to declare it as Rashtra Mata. Since BJP has not done that, a person ended his life after consuming poison in Rajkot" alleged Senior Congress MLA Shaktisinh Gohil.

Law Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja said that BJP is a party with a strong conviction and all the party workers believe in protecting cows at any cost.

Congress MLAs staged a symbolic walkout after Assembly Speaker Ganpat Vasava did not allow discussion in the House over the issue of cow protection.

The BJP remained more or less elusive while refusing to give any commitment to the demand raised by 'Gau Raksha Ekta Samiti'. Samiti activist Hindabhai Vambadiya allegedly consumed pesticide outside the Rajkot Collector office on Thursday and died later in civil hospital. He was part of the group of eight men who attempted suicide outside the collectorate seeking 'Rashtra Mata' status to cow and beef ban across country.

By Premji