The Assam government’s decision to ban the public consumption of beef has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with leaders from within and outside the BJP offering divergent views on the contentious issue.
While the ruling BJP in Assam hails the move as a measure to "respect religious sentiments" and preserve cattle, critics within the party and the opposition have called it an "infringement on personal freedom" and a political ploy.
On Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the expanded ban, which prohibits beef consumption in hotels, restaurants, and public spaces.
This marks a significant tightening of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, which already restricted cattle slaughter and beef sale in areas with a Hindu, Jain, or Sikh majority, as well as within a five-kilometre radius of temples or Vaishnavite monasteries.
BJP leader from Kerala voices dissent
Breaking ranks with his party, Kerala BJP vice-president Major Ravi criticised the Assam government’s decision. Emphasising the need for freedom of choice, Ravi urged a distinction between beef and cow, arguing that the failure to clarify such differences risks alienating people.
“First of all, you need to understand what beef is and what cow is. If you suddenly ban beef, it will send the wrong message to many people,” he said.
Ravi pointed to Kerala as an example of harmonious coexistence, where beef, pork, and other meats are widely available while respecting cultural sensitivities.
“If someone wants to eat, they should... there should be freedom to eat what you want,” he remarked, clarifying that beef generally refers to buffaloes and bulls and not cows.
Acknowledging the sacred status of cows in Hinduism, Ravi stated, “We worship cows. I haven’t seen any place where cows are being slaughtered,” while calling on Chief Minister Sarma to consider the broader implications of the ban.
Assam opposition slams ban
The opposition in Assam has accused the BJP-led government of using the beef ban as a divisive political tool. Congress MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar labelled it an “attack on freedom of expression and religious beliefs.”
He remarked, “The society we live in is full of diversity and that’s our beauty. While one section worships cows to get salvation, the other sacrifices it to attain salvation.”
Raijor Dal general secretary Rasel Hussain dismissed the ban as a distraction from pressing issues such as inflation and the implementation of the Assam Accord.
“This is nothing but a political gimmick,” he said, adding that black marketing of beef, already rampant under the 2021 law, is likely to increase.
Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi went a step further, alleging that the decision is linked to a BJP-backed cow syndicate.
“It has already been proved that many of the arrested cow smuggling accused were linked to BJP and its leaders,” he claimed.
Islamic cleric responds
Adding to the chorus of dissent, Islamic cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi Barelvi accused Sarma of harbouring an anti-Muslim bias. “Himanta Biswa Sarma always speaks against Muslims. His thinking is anti-Muslim,” said Rizvi, who heads the All India Muslim Jamaat.
However, Rizvi downplayed the impact of the beef ban on the Muslim community, stating, “Islam does not mandate beef consumption. People eat and drink based on personal preferences.”
He also urged Muslims in Assam to voluntarily abstain from consuming beef in light of the government’s decision.
BJP stands firm
Despite the criticism, BJP leaders in Assam have staunchly defended the move. Senior BJP spokesperson Subhash Dutta described it as a “bold and necessary step” to safeguard Assam’s cultural ethos.
“This decision aligns with the aspirations of the people of Assam, who have long recognised the importance of cattle preservation,” he said.
Opponents of the ban have also highlighted its potential economic and environmental repercussions. AIUDF MLA Ashraful Hussain warned that the ban could exacerbate issues of stray cattle damaging crops and causing environmental degradation.
“The ban on cow slaughter will become a major problem, especially in the rearing of poor and unproductive cows,” he said.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) Assam secretary Suprakash Talukdar accused the BJP of engaging in “food politics” to create communal discord.
He asserted, “The BJP wants to create a communal clash with religious polarisation. This step directly attacks the constitutional rights of Muslims and Christians of the state.”
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