Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, April 16, 2026 accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of stoking fear over an alleged meat ban if the BJP assumes power in the state, saying no such policy exists in BJP-ruled states. Speaking to reporters in Cooch Behar, Sarma rejected Banerjee’s warnings as unfounded and insisted the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal as public sentiment shifts in its favour.
Addressing Banerjee’s claim that a BJP government would ban meat, Sarma pointed to BJP-ruled states such as Assam and Bihar and said there was no evidence of statewide prohibitions on meat in those administrations. He framed Banerjee’s rhetoric as fearmongering rather than policy-based.
Sarma also referenced religious practices to underline his point, noting that rituals involving animal sacrifice continue at the Kamakhya Temple in Assam and have not been curtailed under BJP governance. He used that example to argue that cultural and religious traditions would remain intact.
He further alleged that Banerjee’s warnings reflect concern that illegal activities — including cow smuggling — would be clamped down on if the BJP took power in West Bengal. Sarma linked those apprehensions to broader law-and-order aims.
On border management, Sarma called for tougher measures to stop illegal immigration from Bangladesh and criticised the West Bengal government for not sufficiently supporting efforts to prevent cross-border infiltration. “It is very important to fence the border, especially in West Bengal,” Sarma said, describing the issue as a key national security concern.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/mamata-banerjee-spreading-fear-on-meat-ban-no-such-policy-in-bjp-ruled-states-assam-cm-1376531-2026-04-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-16 14:43:00
