With Assam Assembly elections approaching, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has clarified his stance on beef consumption, saying he is not advocating a complete ban but urging restrictions in public spaces.
Addressing reporters, Sarma was quoted as saying by India Today, "There is a big Muslim community in Assam who consume beef. I am not stopping this. I am only saying, eat it inside your home. Don't eat it in a public space."
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He added that such consumption should remain within homes and comply with existing legal provisions, including restrictions near religious sites.
What does the law say?
According to The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, consumption of beef in private is not prohibited. However, the Act bans its sale and consumption in public places, including restaurants and within a 5-km radius of temples and sattras.
Sarma also noted that some people have shifted to consuming buffalo meat instead of beef. He said his appeal was primarily directed at Hindus rather than Muslims.
Political reactions and controversy
The remarks have triggered political reactions, with Akhilesh Yadav criticising the Assam Chief Minister's statement.
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Over the weekend, Sarma warned of action against the parents of an Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury. "After the election, I will take action against her parents as per the Cattle Preservation Act. I will accept everything, but not eating beef," he said.
Kunki Chowdhury, contesting from the Guwahati Central Constituency, has denied the claims, calling them false and politically motivated. She has also filed a police complaint alleging circulation of AI-generated deepfake videos targeting her and her family.
Polling for the 126-member Assembly is scheduled for Thursday, with results set to be announced on May 4.
