Panaji, July 26: Goa Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Michael Lobo on Wednesday hit out at the state government led by his own party, over the shortage of beef. Lashing out at cow vigilantes, Lobo asked the Manohar Parrikar government as to when the Goa meat complex will start functioning. He also said that if beef from other states is not brought into Goa, the tourist state must "slaughter certified cattle" within the state.

Speaking in the Goa Assembly on Wednesday, Lobo said, "Some so-called cow protectors are standing at the state border&blocking entry for beef being brought to Goa. Goa meat complex is shut. We've failed on this front. There are many meat eaters in Goa. Tourists come here to eat beef. There is shortage of beef."

"Some people may not like the way I am talking. If we do not want beef to come from Karnataka & Maharashtra, then certified cattle in Goa should be slaughtered at govt meat complex. It has to start," he added.

Questioning the state government on the functioning of Goa meat complex, Lobo said, "I want the minister to tell me when Goa meat complex will start and whether there will be an interference from so-called 'gau-rakshaks'. I respect them but there are people in Goa in large numbers who eat beef. You cannot stop that."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2018 01:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).