“No prohibition on beef, but eat at home”: Himanta Sarma’s clarification hours before Assam polls

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has triggered a political controversy after stating that there is no prohibition on eating beef, but it should be restricted to private spaces. The remark comes just hours before voting in the state, intensifying the political atmosphere around a sensitive issue.

Clarifying his position, Sarma said that while a large section of the population consumes beef, it should not be eaten in public places. He emphasised that such consumption should take place within homes and not in public spaces or within a certain distance from religious sites. The statement marks a shift from his earlier stance during campaigning, where he had warned of strict action against those consuming beef publicly.

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Akhilesh Yadav attacked the ruling party, accusing it of politicising the issue, while the Aam Aadmi Party alleged that the issue of cow protection is being used for electoral gains. Opposition leaders questioned the consistency of the ruling party’s position on the matter.

The controversy also comes in the backdrop of existing legal provisions in the state. The law permits the consumption of beef in private spaces but restricts it in public areas, including restaurants and gatherings. Sarma’s statement appeared to reiterate this legal framework while attempting to clarify his earlier remarks during the campaign.

With elections imminent, the issue of beef consumption has once again emerged as a flashpoint in state politics, further sharpening political divisions. The latest remarks and the ensuing reactions highlight the sensitivity of the subject and its continued relevance in the electoral discourse.