Assam Beef Ban: JD(U) Says ‘Move To Cause Tension’, Cong And AIUDF Slam Himanta

After the Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday imposed a ban on beef in the state, the Congress, AIUDF, and the JD(U) have drawn reactions expressing their concern that could lead to increased social tension.

JD(U) leader KC Tyagi, whose party is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Bihar, said, “The Constitution of India grants everyone the freedom to choose their food. We do not support the ban on beef in hotels or public spaces. This decision will cause tension in society, which is already quite high.”

As per the new directive, beef will no longer be served in hotels, restaurants, public events, or public places across the state.

Congress Questions BJP Of Not Imposing Beef Ban In Goa, Northeast, And Other States

Reacting over this move, Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, “There should be a nationwide ban on cow slaughter. But why has this issue suddenly become important for the Assam Chief Minister? Will the BJP also impose a ban on cow slaughter in Goa, the Northeast, and other states where it is in power?”

Another Congress leader, Gaurav Gogoi, criticised the beef ban in Assam, stating, “After leading the BJP to a humiliating defeat in Jharkhand, the Assam Chief Minister is trying to draw attention from his failures. Just like the wise people of Jharkhand, the people of Assam will punish BJP leaders for their corruption, misgovernance, and illegal accumulation of wealth in the next elections.”

AIUDF legislator and general secretary Dr. Hafiz Rafiqul Islam criticised the government’s move, saying, “The Cabinet should not decide what people eat or wear. BJP cannot ban beef in Goa or the Northeast states, so why in Assam? We do not give much importance to this decision.”

BJP Challenges Congress

BJP MP from Darrang- Udalguri, Assam, Dilip Saikia told news agency ANI, “It is a historic decision. The public also wanted this. This decision should not been seen from a communal angle but only respect towards a religious faith. There is no ban on the consumption of beef in private.”

The Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika challenged the state Congress to welcome the beef ban or go and settle in Pakistan.

#WATCH | On Assam govt banning the consumption of beef in restaurants, public places, BJP MP from Darrang- Udalguri, Assam, Dilip Saikia says,”…It is a historic decision. The public also wanted this. This decision should not been seen from a communal angle but only respect… pic.twitter.com/qxPoX23pQ6

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024

I challenge @INCAssam to welcome the #AssamBeefBan or go and settle in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/n4mm0KuNjK

— Pijush Hazarika (@Pijush_hazarika) December 4, 2024

According to a report by India Today, Beef consumption is legal in Assam; however, the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 prohibits the slaughter and sale of cattle in areas with a majority population of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, as well as within a five-kilometre radius of temples or Vaishnavite monasteries (satradhikars).

ALSO READ | Assam CM Himanta Extends Beef Ban To Restaurants, Public Events