The famous Hindu temple at Kamakhya in Assam played a 'divine role' in helping the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government sail through the July 22 confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. At least Samajwadi Party believes so, given the benevolent show of its gratitude to Goddess Kamakhya.
Defying vociferous protests from animal rights activists led by People for Animals, Samajwadi Party legislator Kishore Samrite continued with his mission to sacrifice animals at the alter of Goddess Kamakhya, seeking divine blessings for the Congress-led UPA government.
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The SP legislator from Lanji constituency in Madhya Pradesh had been camping in the famous Kamakhya temple since July 21, a day before the trust motion, and has sacrificed 315 animals as part of the ten-day long 'yagna' that comes to an end on Wednesday.
The ceremony will end with four more animals being sacrificed. The animals being offered to the goddess include 302 goats and 17 buffaloes.
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Samrite also offered another 'yagna' at Ugratara temple in the city and sacrificed two buffalos there for the same purpose much to the chagrin of the members of the People for Animals, who held demonstrations against the animal sacrifices in the city and lodged a complaint with the city police against the legislator.
Chief of the PFA's Assam chapter, Sangeeta Goswami has condemned the act. She alleged that the animal sacrifices were being given at Kamakhya temple by the SP legislators in a secret manner since July 21 last.
Chief functionary of the People for Ethical Treatment to Animals, Anuradha Sawhney on Tuesday sent memoranda to SP leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh, saying that, 'Article 51 of the directives principles of the constitution of India states that individual should show kindness and compassion towards all living beings. Killing an animal to celebrate your victory in Parliament hardly seems to adhere to the spirit of this law'.
Talking to media persons, Samrite said: "I have come here with the mandate of my leaders. And it is definitely this is not for the first time. Whenever I am in trouble, I come here to seek blessings of goddesses Kamakhya."
The SP legislator from Madhya Pradesh will spend about Rs 17 lakh to perform the 10-day ritual at Kamakhya Temple.
