The Bhartiya Janta Party has landed itself in a tough scrimmage in the poll-bound state of Meghalaya. 

According to reports, Meghalaya is the top beef-consuming state, with eight out of every ten people believed to eat beef. Ahead of the assembly elections, the BJP state president has made a major statement. 

In an interview with IANS, Ernest Mawrie, the BJP state president, said, “I eat beef and I am in BJP, there is absolutely no problem with this. I am assuring you that the people of Meghalaya are with the BJP this time. You will see that on March 2.” 

Mawrie also expressed that ever since the Bhartiya Janta Party came to power at the centre, there has been no attack on any church and that the saffron party has not put any restrictions on consuming beef. 

In 2021, Sanbor Shullai, a senior BJP minister in the Meghalaya government, made similar statements. “I encourage the people to eat more beef than chicken, mutton or fish. By encouraging people to eat more beef, the perception that BJP will impose a ban on cow slaughter will be dispelled," said Sanbor. 

Sanbor, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, also added that he would speak to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, acclaimed for his pro-Hindutva stances, and would ensure that cattle transportation to Meghalaya will not be affected by the newly bought cow legislation. 

In 2017, The Bhartiya Janta Party had outrightly denied any intentions to impose a ban on beef in Meghalaya, adding that any reports stating so are false and malicious.

The Bhartiya Janta Party often claimed to advocate for Hindu voices, is at crossroads in Meghalaya. The top leadership must clear their stance on a national beef ban in the country, allowing voters clarity on the party’s viewpoint. 

The Bhartiya Janta Party, popularly categorised as a Hindu nationalist party, is gearing up for the elections, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa at the forefront.