Amid spat with Congress, Assam govt bans beef in public places

Assam's BJP government banned public beef consumption, including in hotels, restaurants, and social/religious gatherings. This follows accusations by Congress of BJP distributing beef during a recent byelection. The ban strengthens the 2021 Cattle Preservation Act and prohibits beef consumption in areas near Hindu temples and predominantly Hindu communities. Congress criticized the move as a diversionary tactic.