Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that his government would impose a ban on beef in the state if Congress state president Bhupen Kumar Borah submits a written request advocating for the move. The statement comes amidst political controversy surrounding allegations that BJP workers hosted a beef party to influence minority voters in Samaguri during recent elections.
Speaking to reporters after a party meeting on November 30, CM Sarma took a dig at the Congress, saying, “Samaguri was with Congress for 25 years. Congress losing a constituency like Samaguri by 27,000 votes is the biggest shame in its history. It is Congress’s defeat more than BJP’s win.”
The BJP’s Diplu Ranjan Sarma secured a decisive victory in Samaguri with a margin of 26,200 votes, unseating Congress candidate Tanzil Hussain.
Responding to Congress MP Rakibul Hussain’s allegations regarding BJP’s tactics, CM Sarma said, “Rakibul Hussain remarked that eating beef is wrong. I agree with him. He also implied Congress used beef to win elections in Samaguri previously. Does that mean Samaguri voters were influenced by beef offers?”
Sarma challenged the Congress leadership, saying, “If Bhupen Borah supports Rakibul Hussain’s statement and formally advocates a beef ban in writing, I will ensure a complete ban on beef in the state in the next Assembly session. Then, no party—BJP, AGP, CPM—can use beef for political purposes, and everyone, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, should abstain from eating beef. That will solve all issues.”
The Chief Minister added that he would write to Bhupen Borah seeking clarity on the Congress’s position on the matter. “I am happy Rakibul Hussain made this statement because it sets the stage for addressing the issue seriously. Now, it’s up to Bhupen Borah to take the next step,” he concluded.
This development adds another dimension to Assam’s political discourse, where cultural and religious sensitivities often intersect with electoral strategies.