Pijush Hazarika Boldly Challenges Congress: Embrace Assam Beef Ban or Leave for Pakistan!
The Assam government has extended its ban on beef consumption, now prohibiting its serving in restaurants, hotels, and all public spaces across the state. This significant policy change was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at a press conference following a cabinet meeting on December 4. The chief minister emphasized that while existing laws on beef consumption were stringent, they lacked restrictions on its use in public venues. He stated, “From today, beef will no longer be served or consumed in any public place, including community functions, hotels, or restaurants.”
Previously, the state had restricted beef consumption near temples, but the new policy extends the prohibition statewide. Sarma noted that this decision aims to promote communal harmony in Assam, a state known for its religious and ethnic diversity.
The decision sparked political reactions, particularly from state minister Pijush Hazarika, who provocatively challenged the Congress party to support the ban or “go settle in Pakistan.” This statement adds fuel to the ongoing political debate regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) approaches to beef-related issues in Assam. The controversy follows allegations that the BJP sought votes using beef in the Muslim-majority Samaguri Assembly constituency during recent by-elections. In response, Sarma invited the Congress to submit a formal request for an outright beef ban through their state president, Bhupen Kumar Borah.
In addition to the beef ban, the cabinet meeting sanctioned the expansion of the road connecting Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport into a six-lane highway. Looking ahead, the chief minister also announced a scheduled cabinet expansion on December 7, with the induction of new ministers into the state government, signaling further administrative changes.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/pijush-hazarika-challenges-congress-to-welcome-assam-beef-ban-or-go-to-pakistan-1132503-2024-12-04?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-12-04 21:09:00
