No non-veg ban under BJP rule in Assam, TMC spreading misinformation in Bengal: CM Himanta

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday accused the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC of spreading false claims that the BJP would stop fish and meat consumption in West Bengal if it comes to power.

Addressing a public meeting in North Bengal, Sarma cited the example of Assam, where a BJP government is in power for the last 10 years yet people of the state freely consume non-vegetarian food.

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“Assam has had a BJP government for 10 years, but people there eat non-veg food. So why is TMC spreading this misconception in Bengal that BJP will ban non-veg in Bengal?” he asked.

He also cited the animal sacrifice practice in the famous Kamakhya Devi temple.

“Animal sacrifice is carried out at the Kamakhya temple there. Has it stopped after our government came to power? No, it has not,” Himanta said.

He, however, added that the only restriction that is in place in Assam is on beef consumption, claiming that Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is concerned because the BJP will stop the illegal beef trade.

“Mamata Banerjee is worried that once a BJP government is formed in West Bengal, the beef trade here will stop,” he added.

The Assam CM also raised the issue of illegal infiltration in Bengal, saying the state needs a strong government that can give “proper treatment” to Bangladeshi immigrants.

“Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) fears that if BJP forms the government, both the Bangladeshi infiltrators and their Bangladeshi vote bank will be in danger,” he added.

Elections to the 294-member-strong West Bengal Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held in two phases – on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will be held on May 4.