The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has consistently leveraged communal sentiments to consolidate its voter base. Among the most insidious tactics employed by the BJP is the tacit and sometimes overt support for cow vigilantism. This strategy is two-pronged. On the one hand, it exacerbates religious tensions and, on the other, conveniently diverts attention from pressing issues. The consequences of this strategy are not only divisive but dangerously violent.

The recent killing of a 19-year-old in Haryana is a grim reminder of how this dangerous trend is escalating and how the perpetrators feel emboldened by the system's complicity. The consequences are alarming. Violence in the name of cow protection has become routine, with vigilantes feeling emboldened by the lack of accountability. The perpetrators did not express remorse for the act itself; their regret was that the victim was a Hindu, not a Muslim. This twisted sense of morality reveals the deep-rooted communal hatred that has been fostered under the guise of cow protection.

While the BJP champions the cause of cow protection with fervour, it has shown a stark disregard for issues that genuinely impact the safety and well-being of citizens, particularly women. Despite the introduction of numerous laws and policies, violence against women remains rampant. The tragic rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata, which sparked nationwide outrage, spotlights the failure of the BJP government to prioritise women's safety.

This neglect is not just a matter of oversight but a calculated political move. By focusing on cow vigilantism and other communal issues, the BJP diverts attention from its failure to deliver on promises of economic growth, job creation, and social security. Women's safety is pushed to the back burner while the government engages in fear-mongering and communal polarisation.

The normalisation of violence in the name of cow protection is perhaps one of the most disturbing trends in India today. This is not just a law-and-order problem but a social and cultural crisis. The perpetrators of such violence are often lauded as protectors of Hindu values, further entrenching the belief that their actions are justified. This mindset is perpetuated by the BJP's rhetoric and policies, which subtly endorse these vigilantes' actions, giving them a sense of legitimacy.

The lack of quality education and widespread unemployment further fuel this problem, as young men, lacking opportunities and direction, are easily swayed by extremist ideologies. They are lured into the fold of cow vigilantism, believing it to be a noble cause when, in reality, it is a tool of communal division.

The Haryana incident also highlights the troubling nexus between cow vigilantes and law enforcement. The killers of the 19-year-old victim had ties to the police, and one of them even admitted to informing the police about his activities. Despite being aware of his actions, the police did nothing to stop him, effectively granting him a free pass to continue his vigilantism.

This breakdown in law enforcement is deeply concerning. When the police, who are supposed to protect citizens, become enablers of violence, it undermines the very foundations of justice and democracy. It sends a dangerous message that violence in the name of religion or ideology is permissible.