(Reopens BOM 10)

Supporting the Dalit community’s decision in Gujaratnot to skin dead animals following the Una incident, Athawalesaid he was although opposed to the Maharashtra AnimalPreservation (Amendment) Act which bans slaughter of cow andits ‘progeny’. He said he agreed with the ban on cowslaughter but prohibition of bull slaughter, especially theaging animals, "puts a financial burden on the farmers". Athawale also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’srecent remarks "Shoot me if you want to but do not targetDalits". After several years, a Prime Minister had made such astatement, and to show our gratitude, RPI is planning toarrange a felicitation for Modi In Pune, he added.PTI SPK KRK SRYPTP