Assam CM Himanta hits back at Trinamul over ‘meat ban’ claim
The Statesman | 17 April 2026
A fresh political slugfest erupted in Cooch Behar ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Even as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today claimed that a BJP government in the state could impose restrictions on the consumption of fish and meat, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly countered her remarks while campaigning in the South Cooch Behar Assembly constituency.
Sarma said: “In Assam, where the BJP is in power, people freely consume fish and meat. Animal sacrifice is still practised at the Kamakhya temple. So, why would people in West Bengal be stopped from eating fish and meat if the BJP comes to power?”
Campaigning in support of BJP candidate Rathindra Bose, he alleged that the Chief Minister was deliberately misleading the public. “She has realised that if the BJP comes to power, the beef trade and cattle smuggling will be stopped. That is why she is spreading fear and misinformation,” he said.
Referring to Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Sarma alleged there are links between ruling party leaders and cattle smuggling and cross-border infiltration. “On one hand, cattle are being smuggled to Bangladesh, and on the other, infiltration is taking place due to porous borders,” he claimed.
Drawing on Assam’s experience, he said, “We have stopped infiltration in Assam. Even if a few manage to enter, they are pushed back. But such infiltrators are being given shelter in West Bengal.”
Calling for stronger border security, Sarma said that if the BJP forms governments in Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal, infiltration from Bangladesh could be effectively curbed through fencing and electrification of the border.
Referring to demographic trends, he claimed, “In Assam, the Hindu population has declined from 80 per cent to 60 per cent. A similar trend is visible in West Bengal,” a statement that has already triggered political debate.
On the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he said, “If the BJP returns to power in Assam, UCC will be implemented, and the practice of multiple marriages will be stopped.”
Taking a swipe at the ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, Sarma said that if voted to power, the BJP would increase financial assistance for women to Rs 3,000 per month. Citing welfare schemes in Assam, he claimed that the BJP provides broader financial support to students and the general public.
He further added: “In Assam, microfinance loans have been waived. If the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be waived.”
Referring to the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, Sarma alleged that a similar situation could emerge in West Bengal if the Trinamul Congress returns to power.
Referring to reports from Murshidabad about a mosque allegedly being proposed in Babur’s name, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma blamed Mamata Banerjee, saying such ideas gain ground because of her.
He questioned why a mosque should be built in Babur’s name on Indian soil, adding that this could set a precedent for similar demands in the future. “Temples should be built in the name of Lord Krishna, not mosques in the name of Babur,” he said.
Appealing to voters, he said, “It is essential to bring a BJP government in West Bengal; otherwise, the future of the state will be at risk.”
His remarks have further intensified the political battle in North Bengal in the run-up to the elections.