BJP leader tries to allay fears on 'Beef ban' in Meghalaya

GUWAHATI: Meghalaya BJP leader Bernard Marak on Monday said if the party came to power in the state it would reduce meat prices, including that of beef. Meghalaya assembly polls will be held next year.

Marak also claimed in Meghalaya most of the BJP leaders ate beef. “In Meghalaya, most of the BJP leaders eat beef and the Centre cannot enforce a ban on its consumption. The question of banning beef does not arise in a state like Meghalaya, especially in Garo Hills,” he added.

Marak said Meghalaya BJP leaders were well aware of the historical background and constitutional provisions over the hill areas and beef ban couldn’t be imposed in Meghalaya. Marak assured that the people of the state need not panic or get influenced by other political parties on the issue of beef ban.

Attacking the Congress government, he said it has failed to regularise meat rates, resulting in “harassment to the public. Meat sold in the state is unfit for consumption in absence of proper certification by veterinary doctors. Slaughter houses will be set up, meat will be checked to ensure that it is fit for consumption and rates will be regulated.”