'Don't Play With Fire': Humayun Kabir Warns Bengal Government Over Cow Slaughter Curb

Last Updated:May 23, 2026, 13:17 IST

BJP-led West Bengal government barred animal slaughter without a “fit certificate” from authorities and warned of penal action for violations.

Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on Thursday after MLA Humayun Kabir declared that animal sacrifice during Eid would go ahead “at any cost", in open defiance of the BJP-led government’s recent guidelines regulating animal slaughter.

Kabir, a founder member of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), accused the government of interfering in religious practices and asserted that Muslims would not compromise on the issue of qurbani.

“We respect the law. But qurbani will happen. Whatever is written in the Quran will happen. I want to tell Suvendu Adhikari directly not to play with fire. It may prove dangerous for you. The Muslim community will not compromise on qurbani," he said.

The MLA also voiced anger over restrictions on offering prayers on roads and demanded that the government ensure sufficient space for Eid congregations.

“Eid prayers are held on Red Road. If that is not allowed in future, there will be protests. Adequate space should be provided for offering prayers. If arrangements are not made, then pujas on roads should not be allowed either," Kabir warned.

Reacting to his comments, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed Kabir’s statements and insisted that the issue was about upholding the law and stopping illegal activities.

“Illegal slaughterhouses will not be allowed to operate," Bhattacharya said.

He clarified that the BJP does not interfere with individual food choices but remains firmly opposed to open or public slaughter of cows.

The sharp exchange comes against the backdrop of the state government’s new regulatory measures on animal slaughter, which have sparked widespread debate and reached the Calcutta High Court. The guidelines have drawn strong reactions across political and social circles.

In a notification issued on May 13, the West Bengal government barred animal slaughter without a “fit certificate" from authorities and warned of penal action for violations. The notification also made it clear that animal slaughter in open public places would be “strictly prohibited".

News india 'Don't Play With Fire': Humayun Kabir Warns Bengal Government Over Cow Slaughter Curb

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