Himanta Biswa Sarma defends beef ban, highlights cultural reverence for cows in Sanatan tradition

Amid the ongoing debate over the state’s recent decision to ban beef, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of cows in Assamese and Indian civilization. Speaking on the issue, he remarked, “The foundation of Assam's civilization was laid by Srimanta Sankardeva and his idol, Lord Krishna, who was both a cow protector and a cow keeper. Congress leaders should understand these aspects. Hence, restrictions on the public consumption and serving of beef are necessary.”*  

Elaborating further, CM Sarma underscored the centrality of Lord Krishna in Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavism, noting that Krishna's life and divine pastimes were deeply intertwined with the Gou (cow) lineage. “In ancient times, society thrived on the contributions of cows—they plowed fields, provided milk, and their dung was crucial for agriculture. For our Sanatan culture, cows symbolize motherhood and hold the highest reverence,” he said.  

Referring to remarks made by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhupen Bora, CM Sarma suggested that Bora’s statements about Srimanta Sankardeva may stem from a lack of understanding. He urged Bora to study the legacy of Sankardeva and the spiritual ethos of Sanatan Hinduism to better appreciate the importance of cows in Assamese culture.  

“Whether it’s temple worship, Namghar practices, or even tree worship, one unifying element in Sanatan Hinduism is the sanctity of the cow. The cow is not merely an animal but a representation of divine motherhood,” the Chief Minister asserted.  

The Chief Minister’s statements reaffirm the government’s stance on the beef ban, situating it within a broader cultural and historical context that underscores the values of Assam’s Sanatan traditions.