States, including BJP-ruled ones, are trying to find a way around Centre’s cattle slaughter ban
Bachcha Marak does not eat beef regularly. But the former BJP district president of North Garo Hills in Meghalaya has a beef with the Union government’s May 23 notification to ban the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets.
Bachcha joined the BJP last year with his friend Bernard Marak, who was the district president of West Garo Hills. A week ago, Bernard hosted a beef party to celebrate three years of the Narendra Modi government. He was reportedly asked to resign, and he obliged, saying he was a Garo first and then a politician. Bachcha followed suit on June 6.
“I cannot accept this [notification],” said Bachcha. “Why would not they understand that we need beef to survive? We the people of the hills have to eat meat for energy. Children are given beef, which comes at a low price.” He blamed the RSS for the ban. “I know the prime minister was asked by the RSS to take such a mindless decision.”
Also, Bachcha said the ban will affect the BJP politically— Meghalaya will go to the polls next year, and the party hopes to wrest power from the Congress. “People will give them a fitting reply in the coming days,” he said. State BJP president Shibun Lyngdoh, however, said there was no threat to the party’s chances in the northeast.
Meghalaya is not alone though. Other northeastern states, too, are openly opposing the ban. The Congress government in Mizoram said that it would not impose the ban. So did the Naga People’s Front-BJP government in Nagaland. State BJP president V. Lhoungu said beef was the main dish in almost the entire northeast region. “I hope our government would reconsider the ban,” he said.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict