Is Akhil Gogoi promoting a ‘communal beef biryani’? Himanta Biswa Sarma raises question

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 6 launched a sharp attack on Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, accusing him of promoting what he termed a “communal narrative” around food habits by allegedly sharing a recipe for a “beef biryani”.

Addressing reporters, Sarma said food choices are deeply linked to religious and cultural beliefs and should not be used to provoke or polarise communities. "Muslims eat biryani, often with beef. Now the question is, how can Hindus be trained to eat beef?” the chief minister asked, questioning the intent behind such narratives.

He argued that social harmony cannot be built by forcing communities to alter their traditional food practices. “Either Muslims would have to say they will stop eating beef and eat chicken, or Hindus would have to say they will eat beef if chicken is not available. That is not Assam,” Sarma said.

Emphasising Assam’s plural social fabric, the chief minister said the state’s identity is not defined by specific dishes. “Assam is not about biryani or paratha. Muslims will eat Muslim food, and Hindus will eat Hindu food,” he remarked.

However, Sarma stressed that public spaces and marketplaces must remain neutral and inclusive. “In public spaces, food should be secular in nature—food that both Hindus and Muslims can eat. If pork is served, Muslims do not eat it; if beef is served, Hindus do not eat it,” he said.

The chief minister added that instead of promoting divisive food politics, efforts should focus on mutual accommodation. 

“What should be encouraged is training to prepare food that is acceptable to both Hindus and Muslims,” he said, underlining that coexistence and sensitivity are essential to maintaining communal harmony in Assam.