In a bold move, the Assam government has imposed complete ban on serving and consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants, community gatherings and public spaces with immediate effect. While addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision of the state cabinet.
The Chief Minister said, “In no restaurant, in no hotel, beef can be served from today. Also, no beef can be served in various social gatherings like religious functions and other public functions. Public consumption of beef has been totally prohibited from today.”
Speaking to the reporters, he explained the amendments made in the existing law on beef consumption in the state. He said that earlier there was a provision of not serving or consuming beef within 5 Km radius of temple. “But now we have expanded it to the entire state that you will not be able to eat it in any community place, public place, hotel or restaurant,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "…In Assam, we have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel and also it will not be served in any public function or public place, so from today we have completely decided to stop the consumption of beef… pic.twitter.com/B4URmVRBTW
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024
The decision comes days after the Congress alleged that the BJP had distributed beef in Samaguri constituency to win byelections. Himanta Biswa Sarma, took a swipe at Congress and said, “The cabinet today analysed the recent statements of Rakibul Hussain and APCC president Bhupen Borah and it appeared that they too do not support consumption of beef. I hope they will support this decision.”
Welcoming the move, BJP MP from Darrang- Udalguri, Assam, Dilip Saikia said, “I support this decision. Cows are considered as a mother in the Sanatana culture. Beef is a restricted food in the Sanatana culture. We don’t object to its consumption in private but serving beef in public places as most people consider it inedible…This decision has not been made in any communal angle but in the favour of the Sanatana culture of India.”
#WATCH | Delhi | On Assam govt banning the consumption of beef in restaurants, public places, BJP MP from Darrang- Udalguri, Assam, Dilip Saikia says, "Assam cabinet has decided to ban beef in public places. I support this decision. Cows are considered as a mother in the Sanatana… pic.twitter.com/nhZ5VUjDfP
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024
Row Over Beef Ban…
Soon after the Assam cabinet’s decision, the Assam Congress slammed the move of the BJP government. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi took to X and tweeted, “After leading the BJP to a humiliating loss in Jharkhand, the Chief Minister of Assam is trying to camouflage his failure. Like the wise public of Jharkhand, the people of Assam will also punish the corruption, misrule and obscene wealth of the BJP leaders of Assam in the next election.”
Meanwhile, BJP National Spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla, slammed the opposition. He said, “Why is Congress opposing the beef ban? Because of vote bank politics, they have no care or concern for the sentiments of the majority community, the Hindus.”
Row over Assam 'Beef Ban'
Why is Congress opposing the beef ban? Because of vote bank politics, they have no care or concern for the sentiments of the majority community, the Hindus: @Shehzad_Ind slams the Opposition@anchoramitaw & @Niyamikas share details.#Assam #BeefBan pic.twitter.com/IGwW1IIE9Q
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 5, 2024