Guwahati: As Assam moves closer to the Assembly elections, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has clarified his stance on beef consumption, saying he does not support a total ban but favors limiting it to private spaces.

Speaking on the issue, Sarma said that the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 does not prohibit the private consumption of beef. However, he pointed out that the law clearly restricts its sale and consumption in public places. This includes restaurants and areas located within a 5-kilometre radius of temples and sattras.

The Chief Minister explained that his recent remarks were being misunderstood. He stressed that his appeal was mainly directed at the Hindu community, urging sensitivity in a state with diverse religious sentiments.

Sarma also noted a shift in consumption patterns, claiming that some people have moved towards buffalo meat instead of beef in response to the restrictions and social considerations.

The issue has once again brought the debate over food habits and cultural identity into the political spotlight, with opposition parties likely to respond as campaigning gains pace across the state.