Ernest Mawrie's remarks spark beef debate in poll-bound Meghalaya

The beef debate has made a comeback in Meghalaya polls after Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena reacting sharply to BJP's Meghalaya unit President Ernest Mawrie’s public statements that he eats beef and the BJP does not oppose beef eating in the state.

Mawrie’s has stated, “I eat beef and I am in the BJP, there is absolutely no problem with this.”

Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece Saamna attacked this as double standard.“BJP’s Hindutva and love for cows as mere pretence and alleged that its Hindutva agenda changes as per its political needs in different parts of the country.


“Their Hindutva wasn’t in trouble when they formed the government in the sensitive state of Jammu and Kashmir with Mehbooba Mufti, who had been strongly opposing BJP’s Hindutva. It’s the same when it comes to their position on the issue of beef,” said Uddhav Sena in the party editorial.

Meghalaya Labour Minister and BJP leader, Sanbor Shullai in 2021 said that he encouraged the people of the state to eat more beef than chicken, mutton and fish.

"I encourage the people to eat more beef than chicken, mutton or fish. By encouraging people to eat more beef, the perception that BJP will impose a ban on cow slaughter will be dispelled.”

In 2021. Assam assembly passed Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, Meghalaya government had taken up with Assam to ensure that transportation of cattle meant for Meghalaya was not hampered.