The Maharashtra government, under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has declared the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ (State Mother), acknowledging its deep cultural importance in Indian tradition. In an order issued on Monday, the government highlighted the spiritual, scientific, and even military significance of cows in India’s history. The declaration also expressed concern over the decreasing numbers of indigenous cow breeds and promoted the agricultural benefits of cow dung, which helps improve human nutrition.
The government encouraged cattle farmers to rear indigenous cows, emphasizing their socio-economic value and the religious and cultural significance they hold. In Hinduism, cows are revered and often seen as mother figures, with their milk, dung, and urine considered sacred.
The government’s statement also highlighted the medicinal benefits of cow products, noting that cow milk is viewed as highly nutritious and cow urine is believed to have healing properties. Meanwhile, the people of Maharashtra are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the state election schedule. The current government’s term concludes on November 26, 2024, and elections must be held before that date, likely after the Diwali festival in November.
State ministers have suggested that the model code of conduct may be implemented in the first week of October. In a recent review meeting with Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP), and other senior officials, the Election Commission of India (ECI) stressed the importance of providing essential facilities at polling stations, including seating arrangements, fans, drinking water, and shelters. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar stated that strict action would be taken in response to any complaints regarding voter inconvenience on election day.