GUWAHATI: Satya Ranjan Borah has backed the protest on Monday, October 12 in front of Assam State Zoo that demanded ban of beef for the carnivorous zoo animals.
Earlier yesterday, as part of the protest, a van carrying beef for the zoo animals was halted. The demands of the activists were asked to be forwarded to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) by the Guwahati zoo authority. The protests came after Borah demanded a blanket ban on cow slaughter and the consumption of beef. Nonetheless, he has now denied to G Plus taking responsibility for the protest. However, he stated, "If someone is influenced by it so be it."
On the issue of his objections to demand the ban, Borah said, "Cow conservation is part of the Assamese way of life and during Bihu we celebrate Cow Bihu. It's also a part of the Indian culture and our economy has been dependent on the cow until the advent of the British."
He raised the need to protect the cow by evoking 'Gau Mata'. "We call cow 'Gau Mata', so how can we kill our mother? How can that continue in a government organisation like Assam State Zoo?" asked Borah.
Borah demanded an alternative and prescribed goat and pork meat instead of beef. "The Sambars inside the Zoo can also be utilised for consumption by increasing their numbers," said Borah.
Satya Ranjan Borah has faced criticism with some even accusing him of doing polarising politics. "I am being practical as I am talking about the Sanatan Hindu Civilisation. How can this be a religious talk?"
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced Borah from the party. A party insider told G Plus that the leader is not directly related to BJP. Borah too said, "I am not related to any organisation as I belong to all."