In a recent dispute between ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) and Maneka Gandhi, a BJP MP, ISKCON has taken legal action against Maneka Gandhi for her comments about their organization. The temple has sent a defamation notice of Rs 100 crore (a significant sum of money) to Maneka Gandhi, accusing her of making false allegations against them. Radharamn Das, the Vice-President of ISKCON Kolkata, expressed deep disappointment with Gandhi’s remarks and said they would strongly pursue justice to clear their name.
Maneka Gandhi had made serious accusations against ISKCON in a video. She called ISKCON a “big fraud” and claimed they pretended to protect cows while secretly selling cattle to slaughterhouses. Gandhi alleged that ISKCON used government funds and land for their cow shelters but did not take proper care of the cows. She accused them of selling cows to butchers and questioned their commitment to cow protection.
In response, ISKCON’s national spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, strongly denied Maneka Gandhi’s claims. He explained that ISKCON has always been dedicated to the protection and care of cows and bulls, both in India and globally. He clarified that the organization takes care of a large number of bulls and non-milking cows, in addition to milking cows, with love and devotion.
The controversy seems to have stemmed from a letter from a veterinary doctor regarding the Anantapur Govt Goshala, which is maintained by ISKCON. Yudhistir Govinda Das emphasized that the cows and bulls in their care are not sold to butchers, as alleged by Gandhi. He defended ISKCON’s commitment to cow protection and their good track record in this regard.
Maneka Gandhi’s comments greatly upset Temple devotees and supporters worldwide. They saw her accusations as damaging to their reputation and believed they were false and harmful. That’s why the organization decided to take legal action to clear their name and reputation. In the legal notice to Maneka Gandhi, ISKCON demanded Rs 100 crore in damages for the harm they believe her statements caused to their reputation. They argued that, as a Member of Parliament and former Union Minister, Gandhi should not have made such serious allegations without strong evidence. They were deeply hurt by her remarks and were determined to seek justice through legal means.