It’ll take Congress 7 lifetimes to call cow slaughter a crime": Himanta challenges opposition

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of political cowardice on the issue of cow protection. 

He challenged the opposition to speak out against cow slaughter during Eid, claiming the BJP alone has the courage to take a stand on the matter.

"I challenge Congress to muster the courage to tell the Muslim community in Assam that cow slaughter in the name of sacrifice is a heinous crime. They will never be able to say it. It will take them seven lifetimes," Sarma said while addressing a public meeting.

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Referring to Islamic practices, the Chief Minister argued that cow sacrifice is not mandatory under Islam. “Qurbani can be of other animals too. BJP dares to urge people that — on the next Eid, please offer a goat, not a cow,” he added.

Sarma also accused the Congress of remaining silent on the issue of beef being sold near temples, naamghars (Vaishnavite prayer halls), and public spaces. “Has Congress ever protested against beef being openly sold in such places?” he questioned, adding that the BJP’s stance is based on conviction, not vote-bank politics.

The remarks come amid heightened sensitivities around religious practices and cow protection in Assam, where laws already regulate cattle slaughter and transport.

Congress is yet to officially respond to the Chief Minister’s statement.