Guwahati, April 8′: As Assam heads into Assembly elections, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that he is not in favour of a complete ban on beef consumption but supports restricting it to private spaces.
He stated that under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, private consumption of beef is permitted. However, the law prohibits its sale and consumption in public places, including restaurants, and within a 5-kilometre radius of temples and sattras.
Sarma added that his appeal was mainly directed at Hindus and observed that some individuals have shifted towards consuming buffalo meat instead of beef.
The remarks have drawn political reactions, with Akhilesh Yadav criticising the Chief Minister. The controversy intensified after Sarma warned of action against the parents of an Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate over alleged beef consumption and circulation of related images on social media.
The candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, has denied the allegations, describing them as fake and politically motivated. She has also filed a police complaint, alleging that AI-generated deepfake videos targeting her and her family were being circulated.
The issue has emerged as a key flashpoint in the ongoing election campaign, further escalating political tensions in the state ahead of polling for the 126-member Assembly on April 9. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
