• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that his government is ready to impose a ban on beef in the state, provided Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah formally writes to him requesting such a move. His remarks came in response to Congress allegations against the BJP.

Congress Alleges Beef Distribution in Muslim-Majority Constituency

The Congress had accused the BJP of distributing beef to win over voters in the Muslim-majority Samaguri constituency, which was under Congress control for five consecutive terms. Responding to the claim, Sarma said he was glad the opposition raised the issue.

CM Takes a Jab at Congress

Addressing reporters after a party meeting on Saturday, Sarma said, "Samaguri was with Congress for 25 years. Congress losing a constituency like Samaguri by 27,000 votes (sic) is the biggest shame in its history. It is Congress's defeat more than BJP's win."

BJP's Victory in Samaguri By-Election

Last month, BJP candidate Diplu Ranjan Sarma defeated Congress’ Tanzil, the son of party MP Rakibul Hussain, by 24,501 votes in the Samaguri by-election.

"But amidst sadness, Rakibul Hussain said one good thing that eating beef is wrong, isn't it? He said that it was wrong for Congress-BJP to win elections by offering beef to voters," the CM said when asked about the MP's reported comment.

"I want to tell Rakibul Hussain that beef should be banned as he said it is wrong. He only needs to give me in writing that neither the BJP nor Congress should speak about beef that it should be banned in Assam. If we do that, all problems will be solved," Sarma said.

"Was Congress Offering Beef to Win Votes?"

Sarma questioned Congress' strategy, saying, “Was Congress trying to win Samaguri by offering beef to voters? Rakibul Hussain knows Samaguri well. Does this mean elections can be won in Samaguri by offering beef?”

Consumption of beef is not illegal in Assam, but The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 bans cattle slaughter and sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains and Sikhs are in majority and within a five-km radius of a temple or satra (Vaishnavite monastery).