Guwahati, Dec 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a sharp attack on Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, accusing him of employing controversial tactics to secure electoral victories in the Samaguri constituency.
Sarma alleged that Hussain distributed beef to voters over the past 25 years as part of his election strategy. His remarks have reignited debates over “beef politics,” particularly in light of the Assam government’s recent cabinet decision to ban the public consumption of beef, including in hotels and restaurants.
Speaking at a public meeting, Sarma stated, “There is nothing new about people from the Muslim community eating beef. What we are saying is not to eat it in public places like hotels or restaurants. Rakibul Hussain is now saying that in Samaguri, Muslims ate beef. How can I inquire who ate or didn’t? That is for Rakibul Hussain to answer. If they hadn’t eaten beef earlier and only ate it during by-elections, then he would know better.”
Sarma further alleged that Hussain’s electoral success was rooted in this strategy, describing it as an indirect admission by the Congress leader. “In the last 25 years, he won, his father won. That means they were winning by distributing beef, and now I have shut that shop,” Sarma asserted.
The chief minister’s remarks have added to his growing reputation as a prominent figure in national politics, known for his staunch Hindutva stance and sharp criticism of minority communities. Over the past two years, Sarma has increasingly projected himself as a Hindutva leader, often taking a hardline position against the practices of minority groups.
Meanwhile, Rakibul Hussain, currently the MP from Dhubri, has yet to respond to the allegations leveled against him.
