Kolkata April 18: Alleged “divisive beef” remarks by the Assam CM at a Cooch Behar poll rally angered the TMC.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has formally approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking action against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The party alleges that Sarma made “divisive and inciteful” comments regarding meat consumption and communal dynamics during a high-octane campaign rally in Cooch Behar.
Quick Glance: Key Highlights
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The Allegation: TMC accuses CM Himanta Biswa Sarma of promoting religious hatred through defamatory statements.
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The “Meat” Controversy: Sarma claimed Mamata Banerjee’s fears of a “meat ban” under BJP are actually fears regarding a beef ban.
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Action Demanded: TMC has requested an immediate FIR and a show-cause notice against Sarma and the BJP.
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Context: The incident occurred during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 campaign.
Escalating Tensions: Cooch Behar Face-Off
The political temperature in West Bengal reached a boiling point this Saturday as the ruling Trinamool Congress moved the ECI against Assam CM and BJP firebrand Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The complaint stems from a rally in Cooch Behar, where Sarma allegedly targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent warnings about food restrictions.
According to the TMC’s letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sarma suggested that Banerjee was misleading the public.
He reportedly stated that while she expressed concern that the BJP would stop people from eating meat, her actual “apprehension” was limited to the trade of beef, rather than chicken or fish.
Allegations of Communal Polarization
The TMC has slammed these remarks as a “calculated act of promoting religious hatred.”
The party further alleged that Sarma made unverified claims regarding the opening of beef shops in Hindu-dominated areas and cattle smuggling.
“Such rhetoric demonizes a religious group, portraying them as a threat to public order and encourages stigmatization of minority communities,” the TMC stated in its official communication.
Comparative Context: Assam vs. West Bengal
During his campaign trail, Sarma has frequently contrasted the governance of Assam with that of West Bengal to woo voters.
| Feature | Assam (BJP Lead) | West Bengal (TMC Lead) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 50% | 22% |
| Beef Trade Stance | Restricted/Regulated | Unrestricted (Current) |
| Land Encroachment | 1.5 Lakh Acres Evicted | Ongoing Political Dispute |
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Q1: Why did the TMC file a complaint against Himanta Biswa Sarma? The TMC alleges that the Assam CM made provocative, communal, and defamatory statements regarding meat consumption and the Muslim community during a campaign rally in Cooch Behar.
Q2: What exactly did Himanta Biswa Sarma say about Mamata Banerjee? Sarma claimed that Mamata Banerjee is “misleading” people about a general meat ban; he asserted that a BJP government would only target beef trade and cattle smuggling, not fish or poultry.
Q3: What action is the TMC seeking from the ECI? The TMC has demanded a show-cause notice be issued to CM Sarma and the BJP, along with the registration of an FIR for allegedly inciting social unrest. (Edited).