CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Responds to Congress Allegations, Offers to Ban Beef in Assam
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, Assam, 1st December, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly responded to Congress’s allegations that the BJP distributed beef to voters to win the recent by-polls in the Muslim-majority Samaguri constituency. Sarma, in his reply, challenged Congress to formally request a beef ban in the state, stating that he was ready to implement such a ban if the opposition party made the request in writing.
The controversy emerged after Congress MP Rakibul Hussain accused the BJP of hosting a “beef party” to sway minority voters in the by-elections. Sarma questioned Congress’s own record on the issue, asking, “Why didn’t Congress ban beef when they were in power?” He further urged Hussain to clarify his stance, suggesting that if beef consumption is wrong, as Hussain implied, then the Congress should advocate for a ban.
In a bold move, Sarma stated that if Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah sent him a written request, he would impose a complete ban on beef consumption across Assam. He emphasized that this would resolve the issue and prevent any political parties, including the BJP and AGP, from distributing beef during elections. “All problems will be solved,” Sarma added.
Currently, the consumption of beef is not illegal in Assam, although the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 restricts cattle slaughter and beef sale in areas with a majority of Hindus, Jains, or Sikhs, and within five kilometers of temples or satras.
The Samaguri bypoll, which was previously under Congress control for five terms, saw BJP’s Diplu Ranjan Sarmah defeating Congress’s Tanzil, son of Rakibul Hussain, by a margin of 24,501 votes. The Congress has alleged foul play in the election results.
Comments are closed.