Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced his willingness to impose a statewide beef ban if the Assam Congress president, Bhupen Borah, formally requests it. The statement came in response to allegations that the BJP distributed beef to gain votes in the Muslim-majority Samaguri constituency during recent elections.
Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, who previously represented Samaguri for five consecutive terms before being elected to the Lok Sabha in 2024, accused Mr. Sarma of hosting a beef party to woo minority voters. Addressing these allegations, Mr. Sarma said, “Did Congress win Samaguri all these years by offering beef? If Rakibul Hussain believes eating beef is wrong, let him say so formally. I am ready to ban beef if Bhupen Borah sends me a written request.”
The chief minister also questioned why Congress did not impose a ban on beef during its tenure in power. “If Congress supports banning beef, I will table the matter in the next assembly session. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians will all stop eating beef, and the issue will be resolved,” he said.
Sarma highlighted that while the BJP is accused of distributing beef, Congress leaders themselves seem to acknowledge the need for restrictions. “Rakibul Hussain has made a good point by suggesting that eating beef is wrong. Why not take it further and support a formal ban?” he added.
Consumption of beef is currently not illegal in Assam, but The Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 prohibits cattle slaughter and beef sales in areas with a Hindu, Jain, or Sikh majority, and within a five-kilometer radius of temples and satras (Vaishnavite monasteries).
The BJP’s victory in Samaguri, a Muslim-majority seat long held by Congress, has intensified political debate. BJP candidate Diplu Ranjan Sarmah defeated Tanzil Hussain, son of Rakibul Hussain, by over 24,500 votes in the recent bypoll, marking a significant shift in the constituency’s political landscape.
Rakibul Hussain, who now represents Dhubri in the Lok Sabha after winning with a record margin earlier this year, faces criticism for his comments, which some see as a reflection of Congress' declining influence in the region.
Sarma’s remarks have reignited conversations around food habits, cultural practices, and politics in Assam, with observers closely watching Congress’ response to his challenge. Whether Bhupen Borah will take up the chief minister’s offer remains uncertain, but the issue has undoubtedly added another layer of complexity to Assam’s political narrative.
