Eat beef, not chicken, mutton or fish, appeals BJP Minister

People should eat beef and that should be given preference over chicken, mutton or fish. This has been stated by Meghalaya Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai, who is a senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Shullai, who was sworn in as minister last week, told journalists that he is encourgaing the people of the state to consume beef rather than eating chicken, mutton or fish. This, he said, was being done to dispel the fear among the people that the BJP will impose a ban on cow slaughter and beef eating in the state.

On the new legislation banning cow slaugher in Assam, Shullai said that he would speak to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to ensure that cattle transportation from Assam to Meghalaya is not affected.

According to Shullai, in a democratic country, people are free eat whatever they want. The BJP has banned the sale of consumption of beef in several states where it is either in power now or was in power earlier, to appease Hindu voters. However, depending on the political compulsions the party has taken a different stand on beef eating in some states like Goa or in North Eastern states.