An Indian lawmaker sacrificed 200 goats and four buffaloes at a temple in celebration of the ruling party’s victory in a parliamentary vote of confidence last week. Kishor Samrite’s party switched allegiance at the last moment to give the Indian government the cushion it needed to win.

The government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Congress Party has been criticized for the methods used to assure victory.  Allegations of bribery are being investigated as some charge that opposition lawmakers were promised up to $6 million to abstain. In addition, five imprisoned politicians, held on charges ranging from murder to extortion, were temporarily released from custody so they could vote. Even ill lawmakers were wheeled into the parliament in their hospital beds.

The animal sacrifices brought criticism from those who say it is inappropriate for India, a world leader in science and technology, to still be conducting animal sacrifices. 

How can anyone interfere with a religious practice inside a temple complex?,” Samrite responded.