Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has criticized the state government over its pilot project involving the collection of cow urine from farmers. The initiative, announced earlier this month, aims to integrate cow protection with rural economic development, women's empowerment, and organic farming. Yadav mocked the effort on social media, suggesting it would benefit only those selling the product. The project, launched in Syana tehsil of Bulandshahr district, involves purchasing cow urine from farmers and livestock owners at ₹10 per litre. According to an official statement, local collection centers have been set up in 15 surrounding villages, gathering approximately 500 liters of cow urine daily. Plans are in place to raise the procurement rate to ₹20 per litre in the future. Tanks with a 200-liter capacity have been installed in the villages to facilitate the collection process. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision of leveraging cow-related activities for rural development. Officials claim the program provides an additional income stream for families raising cattle and could be expanded to other regions of the state following the pilot phase. Separately, a tragic incident occurred in Ambedkar Nagar district, where the 95-year-old mother of IPS officer Ashutosh Mishra was found murdered in her home in Rudha Dhamrua village. Indravati, who had been living alone since the death of her husband, a former government school principal, was discovered on a cot by a domestic worker who alerted neighbors. Her gold jewelry, including a chain, nose pin, earrings, and anklets, was reportedly stolen, though no other household items showed signs of disturbance. Mishra, currently stationed in Lucknow, returned to his hometown later that day and filed a murder and robbery complaint against unknown individuals. He believes the crime occurred during the night of August 15, when intruders entered the house, killed his mother, and stole the valuables. Police are conducting an investigation, pending results from a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death. Akhilesh Yadav responded to the incident by expressing deep sorrow and condemning the state government, stating that the safety of even police personnel appears compromised in Uttar Pradesh. His remarks highlight growing concerns within political circles regarding law enforcement effectiveness and public security in the region. The two incidents, criticism of a government initiative and the murder of a senior citizen, underscore the complex socio-political landscape in Uttar Pradesh. While the cow urine project reflects efforts to boost rural economies through unconventional means, the violent crime raises questions about the efficacy of local policing and the broader issue of personal safety in certain areas. Authorities continue their probe into the murder case, seeking leads to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen jewelry. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the cow urine scheme persists, with opposition leaders using it to challenge the government's priorities and policies. As both cases unfold, they offer insight into the multifaceted challenges facing the state's administration and populace.
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