At town hall event, PM Modi says self-styled cow protectors make him angry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that people who have set up shop in the name of ‘gau raksha (cow protection)’ make him very angry.

Modi’s remarks at a town hall-style event in New Delhi are his first on a raging controversy over attacks by self-styled cow protectors against Muslims and Dalits on suspicion that they slaughtered cows or ate beef -- an act banned in several Indian states. Cows are revered animals for Hindus.

“People who have set up shop in the name of gau raksha (cow protection) make me very angry. Most of them are anti-social elements hiding behind the mask of cow protection,” Modi said in his interaction with citizens at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex to mark the second anniversary of his government’s MyGov initiative.

“I will ask state governments to prepare a dossier on such people as 80% of them will be found to be involved in anti-social activities which no society will approve of,” Modi said.

Rupani to take oath on Saturday as Gujarat CM

Rupani to take oath on Saturday as Gujarat CM

Chief Minister designate Vijay Rupani on Saturday met Gujarat Governor O.P. Kohli to stake claim to form the government.

BJP State in-charge Dinesh Sharma announced that Mr. Rupani would take oath on Sunday at 12.40 p.m.

Mr. Rupani, Mr. Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister designate Nitin Patel, and other State leaders met the Governor. However, incumbent Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was absent.

“We have told the Governor that the BJP Legislature has endorsed the names of Vijay Rupani as new Chief Minister and Nitin Patel as Deputy Chief Minister,” Mr. Sharma said after the meeting.

He, however, was evasive when questioned on Anandiben Ben’s absence. He said, “She was present when she resigned. Today, those who have been chosen are present.”