Praveen Togadia calls for nation-wide ban on beef exports

International Working President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad Praveen Togadia addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

International Working President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad Praveen Togadia has urged the Union government to impose a complete ban on beef exports as a measure to curb cow slaughter across the country.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Wednesday, Mr. Togadia said that cow slaughter remains widespread in several parts of India, including Gujarat, and called for uniform anti-cow slaughter legislation across all States.

“No matter who is involved in the beef export business — be it Hindus or others—, it must be banned. Cow slaughter is rampant even in States like Gujarat. There are many States, including Kerala and those in the North East, where no anti-cow slaughter laws exist. In States where such laws are in place, the situation is more controlled. If all States adopt similar laws, beef export will automatically come to an end,” he said.

Commenting on Operation Sindoor, Mr. Togadia praised the Indian armed forces for the operation’s execution but expressed dissatisfaction over what he termed a premature ceasefire.

“Operation Sindoor showcased the strength of our armed forces. Had the operation continued for a few more days, Pakistan would have been brought to its knees,” he remarked.

On the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Mr. Togadia acknowledged his four-decade-long campaign for the temple but clarified that he was not associated with its final construction.

“It is true that I fought for the Ram Mandir for over 40 years. I was part of the core team that finalised the temple’s design four decades ago. However, I was not involved in the actual construction carried out,” he said.

Defending his appeal for Hindu couples to have at least three children, Mr. Togadia warned of a demographic shift that can lead to Hindus becoming a minority in India.

“In 1947, Hindus made up 86% of the population. Today, it has declined to 78%. Meanwhile, the Muslim population has grown significantly from 6% to 15% in the same period. If the current trend continues, Hindus can become a minority in their own land. To reverse this trend, conscious efforts are needed,” he added.

Mr. Togadia also expressed concern over what he described as the “declining Hindu population” in neighbouring countries. “In Pakistan, the Hindu population has fallen from 10% to 1% in the last 75 years. In Bangladesh, it has declined from 28% to 8%. Even in India, conversions are contributing to this decline. The population of Hindus is on the decline even in India. The solution lies in increasing awareness about Hinduism and ensuring access to education, healthcare and basic necessities for Hindus. If poverty among Hindus is eradicated, conversions will stop,” he said.

When asked about his relationship with the Sangh Parivar following his departure from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Mr. Togadia said that he continues to maintain cordial ties with all pro-Hindutva organisations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

“We work with all Hindutva organisations and individuals. We do not oppose them. My relationship with the RSS and others remains good,” he said.

Published - June 18, 2025 07:40 pm IST