Representative image BENGALURU: The ruling BJP believes the controversy over the proposed cow-slaughter ban will work in its favour, which is why it is desperate to get the bill passed. While Congress is up against the bill, the JD(S), a farmers’ party, is in two minds as they fear they may be branded as ‘anti-Hindu’ if they oppose the bill and ‘anti-farmer’ if they support it. TOI looks at four reasons why an anti-cow slaughter stance works for BJP. Hindutva: Since the cow is revered by Hindus as a sacred animal, any controversy over slaughter helps BJP play to its gallery. The saffron party expects the issue to fetch it politically and ideologically dividends by consolidating Hindu votes. BJP leaders say criticism on the issue will help the party drive home the point that the opposition is targeting Hindutva.