Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Defends BJP's Stance on Meat Consumption in West Bengal
Sarma Addresses Rally in Cooch Behar
A file image of Assam CM Sarma launching wall painting drive campaign in Guwahati (Photo: PTI)
Cooch Behar, Apr 16: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, criticized the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Thursday for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding the BJP's position on meat and fish consumption in West Bengal.
While speaking at a campaign rally supporting BJP candidates in northern Bengal, Sarma emphasized that residents of Assam can freely enjoy non-vegetarian dishes. He clarified that the only limitation pertains to beef consumption.
"In Assam, you can indulge in fish and meat without any restrictions; you can visit Dhubri or Goalpara and eat as much as you like," Sarma stated.
He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of being concerned that a BJP-led government would halt the beef trade in West Bengal.
Sarma further alleged that the AITC is complicit in cattle smuggling to Bangladesh for financial gain.
He mentioned that central investigative agencies, such as the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, are currently looking into the cattle smuggling operations from West Bengal to Bangladesh.
Sarma asserted that West Bengal needs a government that can effectively manage the situation regarding illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
"We must ensure the BJP's victory in this election to achieve that," he remarked.
He also highlighted that the Assam government has successfully prevented illegal land occupation by Bangladeshi Muslims, stating, "We have evicted them from unlawfully occupied areas."
Additionally, Sarma pointed out that Assam government employees receive a 50% dearness allowance, while their counterparts in West Bengal only receive 22%, despite the latter being a larger state.
The elections for the 294-member West Bengal assembly are scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes set for May 4.