"Make West Bengal investment-friendly": Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya rejects identity politics, calls for investment
Kolkata, May 22
Reacting to comments made by Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir on according the cow the status of "national animal," West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party President Samik Bhattacharya shifted the focus toward the state's economic future, emphasising that the party's priority lies in industrial growth.
"We don't care about Babur, Humayun, Jahangir, or Akbar right now. We are more concerned about bringing investments to West Bengal, increasing employment, and how to stop migration," Bhattacharya told ANI.
The BJP leader highlighted that the party's primary objective is to transform the state into an investment-friendly environment, arguing that the focus must remain on the tangible needs of the workforce and the state's economic stability.
"Our goal is to make West Bengal an investment-friendly state," he added, framing the economic development of the region as the central issue for the party moving forward.
His remarks come after AJUP chief Humayun Kabir on Wednesday openly challenged the West Bengal government's recent public notice issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, asserting that the community will continue to perform ritual sacrifices despite regulatory directives.
Speaking to ANI on the issue, Kabir claimed that while the government holds the authority to formulate rules regarding the consumption of beef, it cannot intervene in the religious tradition of 'Qurbani' (ritual sacrifice).
"The government can make a rule asking Muslims not to eat beef, but ritual sacrifice (qurbani) will continue. We won't listen to any objections," Kabir said.
The AJUP chief further emphasised that the practice holds significant religious weight and has been observed for over a millennium.
"It's a tradition that has been going on for 1400 years and will continue as long as the world exists," he added.
Supporting this stance, Furfura Sharif Pirzada Toha Siddiqui raised questions regarding the perceived double standards in current beef-related policies, highlighting the contrast between domestic restrictions and international trade
."What the law says needs to be followed. But the law should be the same for everyone. No cow slaughter? Okay, we will accept that. But in India, beef is at number two [referring to exports]. A common man offers a sacrifice, that's not allowed. And slaughtering the cows of the country and sending them abroad is permissible? Is that okay?" Siddiqui questioned.
He even argued for a uniform national policy rather than fragmented state-level regulations.
"What is the law? Look at every place and other states in India, beef is sold there. So what is it? It's allowed there, but not here? The law should be one for India."
— ANI
Reader Comments
The irony is palpable. BJP leaders talk about development but their own workers keep raising cow slaughter and temple issues every election. As a Bengali, I want investment too but can we really trust them to keep their focus on economics? Actions speak louder than words - look at how the central government treats non-BJP states in terms of funding and industrial projects.
Interesting shift in strategy from Bengal BJP. As an observer from outside India, it makes sense - identity politics has a limited shelf life. The real issues like migration of skilled workers from Bengal to other states, and the need for industrial corridors, are universal. But the cow slaughter debate is too emotive here; it'll be hard to sideline completely.
This is a welcome change! Bhattacharya's statement gives me hope that the BJP may actually have a development-focused agenda for Bengal. But honestly, the TMC government also talks about investment but we see the ground reality. Bengal needs both good governance and an end to religious polarisation. Let's judge by results, not speeches.
The Furfura Sharif pirzada's question about beef exports is actually very valid! How can you ban cow slaughter domestically but export it like crazy? That's pure hypocrisy. Either have a uniform law for the whole country or stop this selective outrage. Also, Bhattacharya's point about investment is fine but we need concrete plans, not just statements.
As someone who moved from Kolkata to Bangalore for work, I can say Bhattacharya is spot on about migration
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.