Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Open to Statewide Beef Ban Amid Political Controversy

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has signaled his willingness to impose a statewide ban on beef, following allegations that BJP workers organized beef parties to influence voters during the recent Samaguri bypoll. The BJP clinched victory in the constituency, defeating Congress candidate Tanzil Hussain by 26,200 votes. Sarma dismissed the claims as baseless and attributed the result to Congress’s dwindling influence, pointing out that Samaguri had been under Congress control for 25 years.

Reacting to the accusations by Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, Sarma proposed a bold challenge, stating, “If Rakibul Hussain believes eating beef is wrong, then a complete ban should be implemented in Assam.” He suggested that Congress clarify its position on the issue, even offering to write to Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah to gauge the party’s stance.

Sarma asserted that if Congress were to support a beef ban, he would present the matter in the assembly and push for its implementation. “This would ensure that beef no longer becomes a political tool in the state,” he said. Sarma also criticized Congress’s contradictory approach, accusing them of opposing a beef ban in the past while now attempting to politicize the issue.

In a sharp retort to the allegations, Sarma questioned whether Congress had been using beef as an electoral strategy in Samaguri during its previous victories. He even offered to support Congress in the 2026 assembly elections if the party openly endorsed a ban on beef consumption in Assam.

The remarks underline a charged political atmosphere in Assam, with debates over beef consumption becoming a flashpoint for larger discussions on cultural, religious, and political identity in the state.