<p>The Assam government’s decision to impose a statewide ban on serving and consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places is an overreach, intended to make a political point through arbitrary and unreasonable diktat. There are already bans and restrictions on beef in Assam. </p><p>The state’s 2021 Cattle Preservation Act banned cattle slaughter and sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains and Sikhs are in a majority and within 5 km radius of a temple or a satra (monastery). </p><p>The Cabinet has now sought to amend the law to extend its ambit by incorporating new provisions. The Assam government, especially after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma came to power, has followed the most militant and extreme form of Hindutva policies, trying to make anti-minority actions a badge of honour. Sharma has pursued a competitive Hindutva line and made provocative statements within the state and outside, which are not expected from a chief minister. </p>.<p>Cow politics has now been taken to absurd levels. Meat and beef are part of the diet in all North-Eastern states, including Assam. Beef is consumed in many other parts of the country as well. It is a cheap source of protein and is part of the food culture of many communities, including tribals and Dalits, apart from the minorities. According to the National Sample Survey (NSS) data, around 80 million people, including 12.5 million Hindus, eat beef or buffalo meat in the country. Most states have banned cow slaughter, but a number of others, mainly in the North-East, have no legislation banning beef consumption.</p>.<p>Himanta Sarma has also used it as a political weapon to counter a charge by the Congress that he had arranged supply of beef to voters in a constituency, where the BJP won in the recent by-elections. But the latest ban has raised questions and elicited opposition from various quarters. A few BJP leaders and MLAs from other states have also criticised Sarma for it. While such criticism may have arisen from apprehensions about the adverse political impact the decision may have on their states, the ban should also be faulted on stronger grounds. </p><p>Food preferences and habits are personal matters and are considered part of the fundamental right to life. Citizens have the freedom to eat the food and adopt lifestyles that they want, and the state should respect their rights and the traditions of communities. </p><p>Politics based on the beliefs of one section, which may not even be shared by all, should not be taken to unreasonable limits that would restrain the rights of others. The increasing tendency of the state to intrude into the personal lives of citizens also raises uncomfortable questions.</p>
<p>The Assam government’s decision to impose a statewide ban on serving and consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels and public places is an overreach, intended to make a political point through arbitrary and unreasonable diktat. There are already bans and restrictions on beef in Assam. </p><p>The state’s 2021 Cattle Preservation Act banned cattle slaughter and sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains and Sikhs are in a majority and within 5 km radius of a temple or a satra (monastery). </p><p>The Cabinet has now sought to amend the law to extend its ambit by incorporating new provisions. The Assam government, especially after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma came to power, has followed the most militant and extreme form of Hindutva policies, trying to make anti-minority actions a badge of honour. Sharma has pursued a competitive Hindutva line and made provocative statements within the state and outside, which are not expected from a chief minister. </p>.<p>Cow politics has now been taken to absurd levels. Meat and beef are part of the diet in all North-Eastern states, including Assam. Beef is consumed in many other parts of the country as well. It is a cheap source of protein and is part of the food culture of many communities, including tribals and Dalits, apart from the minorities. According to the National Sample Survey (NSS) data, around 80 million people, including 12.5 million Hindus, eat beef or buffalo meat in the country. Most states have banned cow slaughter, but a number of others, mainly in the North-East, have no legislation banning beef consumption.</p>.<p>Himanta Sarma has also used it as a political weapon to counter a charge by the Congress that he had arranged supply of beef to voters in a constituency, where the BJP won in the recent by-elections. But the latest ban has raised questions and elicited opposition from various quarters. A few BJP leaders and MLAs from other states have also criticised Sarma for it. While such criticism may have arisen from apprehensions about the adverse political impact the decision may have on their states, the ban should also be faulted on stronger grounds. </p><p>Food preferences and habits are personal matters and are considered part of the fundamental right to life. Citizens have the freedom to eat the food and adopt lifestyles that they want, and the state should respect their rights and the traditions of communities. </p><p>Politics based on the beliefs of one section, which may not even be shared by all, should not be taken to unreasonable limits that would restrain the rights of others. The increasing tendency of the state to intrude into the personal lives of citizens also raises uncomfortable questions.</p>
