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West Bengal Bakrid Controversy: In West Bengal, the political atmosphere has become heated regarding sacrifice and open namaz before Bakrid. This issue has created a new controversy in the state politics. Aam Janata Unnayan Party President Humayun Kabir has made a scathing attack on BJP leader CM Suvendu Adhikari and said that the Muslim community will not compromise on the issue of sacrifice.

After his statement, political reactions have intensified in the state. While BJP is calling it a matter of law and public order, on the other hand Muslim organizations and some regional parties say that there should not be unnecessary interference in religious traditions.

'Don't play with fire' - Humayun Kabir's warning

Talking to news agency IANS, Humayun Kabir said that it is important to respect the Constitution, but religious traditions will also be followed. He said that the animals which are religiously acceptable for sacrifice will be sacrificed. Taking aim at the BJP, he said that if an attempt was made to stop the sacrifice, it could have serious political consequences. Addressing Shubhendu Adhikari, he said, “Don't play with fire.”

Kabir also claimed that a large number of people in the country consume beef and the government should first make a clear policy on licensed slaughter houses. He raised the question that when revenue is being earned from beef export, why controversy is being created only on religious events.

Controversy increased regarding open namaz

Humayun Kabir said that the administration should provide large enough grounds for Eid prayers. His argument was that if sufficient space is not available, people will be forced to offer namaz on the streets. On the other hand, BJP leaders say that their protest is not against any particular religion, but against the use of public places and “appeasement politics”. The BJP argues that even in many Islamic countries, permission for prayers on the streets is limited, so the issue should not be seen as religious discrimination.

Strict order from West Bengal government before Bakrid

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has issued a public notice before Bakrid reiterating the rules regarding killing of cows and buffaloes. The government has clearly said that no cow, bull, calf or buffalo can be killed without a fitness certificate. According to the notice-

• Signatures of two different officers will be required on the certificate.
• Slaughter of animals without permission will be considered a crime.
• There is a provision of up to six months in jail and fine for violation.

This order of the government is being seen as an attempt to maintain administrative strictness and law and order.

Religious issues at the center of electoral politics

Political analysts believe that religious and cultural issues are increasingly becoming a part of the election discourse in West Bengal. Controversies have been seen in the state in the past over issues like Bakrid, Ramnavmi, Durga immersion and religious events on the streets. According to experts, in view of the upcoming elections, both BJP and regional parties are working on strategies to strengthen their respective vote banks. In such a situation, the political importance of issues like sacrifice and open namaz has increased. At present, the state administration is keeping an eye on sensitive areas and additional security arrangements are being made to maintain peace during the festival.