Bengal CM warns cow vigilantes of strict action

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday lashed out against cow vigilantes, saying they had no right to decide what others should or should not eat. “I have heard that some people have embarked on cow census. They cannot play this dirty game because every person has a right to celebrate his religious festival,” she said.

Defending the right of those who consume beef, Ms Banerjee said the people of Europe ate beef. “Tribals in India eat beef and many dalits also do and so do Christians. Even people in the North-east eat beef. I do not eat it but others do,” she added.

Ms Banerjee wanted to know why only those who were eating beef were being targeted. She asked, “Why is there no objection to eating fish and chicken ” Ms Banerjee warned that her government would not spare anyone who tried to foment communal strife on the basis of the dietary habits of any community. “Strong action will be taken against any one who violates the law. Ours is a pluralistic society and our country is known for its unity in diversity,” she said.

Ms Banerjee warned that her government would not spare those who tried to use religion to make political gains. “As long as I am in this chair, I will give protection to all. A vegetarian will eat vegetarian food, while non-vegetarians will eat non-vegetarian food. Who are these people to tell us what I should or should not eat ” she asked. The chief minister appealed to the people of Bengal to celebrate Id-uz-Zuha and other festivals like Vishakarma Puja and Durga Puja in harmony and peace. “Do not get provoked by the mischief-makers,” she warned.