Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has firmly asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should refrain from interfering with the cultural dietary practices of individuals and communities in his state, particularly when it comes to beef consumption.
The remarks, made by CM Sangma during a podcast interview with a national newswire, came amid growing debate over attempts by certain groups to push for a ban on beef in various parts of the country.
“We stand by the principle that no one should intervene in an individual or community’s eating habits. We are very clear about that,” Sangma said in response to the ongoing beef ban controversy.
He pointed out that the cultural fabric of the Northeast, where beef is a staple for many, is fundamentally different from other parts of India.
The Chief Minister highlighted that even within the BJP, many leaders from the Northeast are fully aware that imposing such a ban would be not only impractical but also culturally insensitive.
“If you were to speak to a larger number of BJP leaders from the Northeast, they will also tell you that it cannot be done. This has been our culture. This has been our eating habits. We respect everyone, but we also expect that you will not interfere with our food habits,” Sangma remarked, citing the deep-rooted tradition of beef consumption in Meghalaya and other northeastern states.
Sangma’s comments reflect a wider regional sentiment that enforcement of a beef ban would be impossible in the Northeast, where beef is an integral part of the local diet.
“This has been our way of life for generations. Any attempt to impose a beef ban here would be not only impractical but also disrespectful to our traditions,” he explained.
While the BJP has pushed for cow protection laws in several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, the Chief Minister emphasised that Meghalaya’s unique cultural practices must be respected.
“We are a diverse country with different food habits, and it is important that we maintain this respect for each other’s practices,” Sangma said.
Sections of BJP raise concerns
However, Sangma acknowledged that certain groups aligned with the BJP have raised concerns about beef consumption in the Northeast.
“There may be certain sections that say something, but at the end of the day, it is the responsibility of the government, which is us, to maintain law and order,” he said, emphasising that while voices may emerge, they should not be allowed to dictate policy or interfere in personal choices.
Sangma reiterated that the role of his government is to take decisions based on the larger public interest, particularly in a diverse and secular democracy like India.
“From the government’s point of view, we look at the bigger picture and make decisions that reflect the values of democracy and secularism,” he added.
The Chief Minister also addressed the recent cancellation of a cow protection rally in Meghalaya, led by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati.
The rally had sparked widespread protests across the state, with many locals viewing it as an affront to their cultural practices.
“We made the decision to cancel the rally because of concerns about law and order. It was a very straightforward decision for us. The rally would have created a lot of problems and unrest, and we acted to prevent that,” Sangma said.
Although some groups expressed dissatisfaction with the cancellation, the Chief Minister stood by his government’s decision, noting that it was in the best interest of maintaining peace in the state.
“The decision was not difficult for us. We knew it was the right thing to do to ensure that law and order were not disrupted,” he remarked.
Strong local sentiments
The rally’s cancellation, which had been met with widespread opposition, is a clear indication of the strong sentiments in Meghalaya regarding its culinary traditions.
Sangma’s stance is likely to resonate with many in the state who view beef consumption as not just a dietary preference but a cultural identity.
With the BJP continuing to push for cow protection measures across the country, Sangma’s firm stand underscores the challenges the party faces in regions where beef consumption is a long-standing tradition.
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