Protesting against the Centre’s decision to ban cattle in animal markets for slaughter, some former BJP leaders will hold a beef fest in Meghalaya’s Tura on Saturday evening.
A number of beef dishes will be on the menu to show how “intrinsic cow meat” is to the culture of the people of Meghalaya.
Few BJP leaders have quit the party in the last few days, after the central government refused a beef party, which the leaders had planned to celebrate, marking three years of Modi government in the centre.
The Centre’s notification banning the trade hasn’t gone down well in the state where majority of the people are Christians.
“I quit the BJP as the party was trying to impose Hindutva ideology on us. We feel out of place in the party. Eating beef is part of our tradition and fest is our way of showing how intrinsic cow meat is to our culture,” said Bernard N. Marak. Bernard was the party’s West Garo Hills district president.
Four days after him, Bachu C. Marak, the North Garo Hills district president also quit BJP.
On Saturday both the former BJP leaders, along with hundreds of others who quit the party and their friends and family members will meet at Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills, to consume beef and ‘bitchi’—a local drink.
“There will be music, food and festivities. We plan to start around 5.30pm and continue till late. Some people from neighbouring districts would also come. Nearly 2,000 attendees are expected,” said Bernard.
