Government's 'pink revolution' destroying cattle, says Narendra Modi

Nawada, Bihar: Narendra Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, today reiterated his charge of the union government's interest in a "pink revolution" - promoting slaughter-houses and the export of meat through subsidies and tax breaks.

His remarks are likely to be interpreted by critics as a heavy-handed emphasis on Hindutva - the guiding ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organisations. In the past, Mr Modi has spoken against the government for policies that he says lead to the killing of cows, considered sacred among Hindus.

"This country wants a Green Revolution," Mr Modi said at a rally in Bihar today. "But now those at the Centre want a 'Pink Revolution'. Do you know what it means? When animals are slaughtered, the colour of their flesh is pink. Animals are being slaughtered and being taken to Bangladesh. The government in Delhi is giving subsidies to those who are carrying out this slaughter." (Watch: Modi's election rally at Nawada)

Over the last two years, Mr Modi has asked the Centre earlier to re-think its policies on meat trade. He has asked why duty is applied to cotton exports, for example, but not to meat exports.

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So far, in his campaign, Mr Modi has chosen to focus on a promise to reignite the economy and create jobs, steering largely clear of a hardline right-wing agenda.