Sakshi Maharaj renews pledge to shut down Unnao slaughterhouses a decade later

Unnao MP Sakshi Maharaj has once again reiterated his promise to close down slaughterhouses operating in the district, a pledge he first made during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking after a public audience programme, Sakshi Maharaj said that efforts to shut down the slaughterhouses are ongoing and action in this direction will be taken soon. He also expressed regret over his inability to close the slaughterhouses so far.

The MP, who has won the Unnao Lok Sabha seat three consecutive times, now sees this issue back in the spotlight. Unnao is home to several factories connected to the industrial leather industry, providing employment to thousands of youth from the district.

At the local level, complaints have been raised regarding environmental and water pollution linked to slaughterhouses and leather units. Allegations suggest that these industrial units are causing problems in several areas of the district, where people are facing a shortage of clean drinking water. Residents say that even after many years, a permanent solution to the problem of providing clean drinking water has not been achieved.

Sakshi Maharaj also reacted to the support from BJP leaders over the alleged purification controversy following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's programme. He said that cleaning is carried out after any programme. Citing the example of his own house, he said that when everyone leaves, cleaning also takes place, and cleaning means purification.

Commenting on the case registered against Rahul Gandhi related to Dalit oppression, Sakshi Maharaj called him a cartoon. Following the MP's statement, the issues of slaughterhouses, leather industry, pollution and clean drinking water in Unnao are back in discussion.

The report is by Nishanath Pandey from Unnao.