'Don't Play With Fire': Humayun Kabir Warns Bengal Government Over Cow Slaughter Curb
'Don't Play With Fire': Humayun Kabir Warns Bengal Government Over Cow Slaughter Curb Published By, Last Updated: May 23, 2026, 13:20 IST BJP-led West Bengal
'Don't Play With Fire': Humayun Kabir Warns Bengal Government Over Cow Slaughter Curb Published By, Last Updated: May 23, 2026, 13:20 IST BJP-led West Bengal government barred animal slaughter without a “fit certificate” from authorities and warned of penal action for violations. Rapid Read AJUP Founder Humayun Kabir. (File Photo) West Bengal MLA and founder member of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), Humayun Kabir, openly challenged BJP-led government’s recent guidelines regulating animal slaughter. He said animal sacrifice during Eid would go ahead “at any cost" and further warned CM Suvendu Adhikari “to not play with fire." Kabir 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. Kolkata, West Bengal: On beef boycott and Namaz in West Bengal, AJUP President and MLA Humayun Kabir says, “…I am directly telling Suvendu Adhikari don’t play with fire. If they try to ban Qurbani, it will create problems for them. The Muslim community will not… pic.twitter.com/xLVQEJBE8k— IANS (@ians_india) May 20, 2026 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. #WATCH | Delhi | On AJUP chief Humayun Kabir’s statement, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya says, “We don’t care about Babur, Humayun, Jahangir, Akbar, right now. We are more concerned about bringing investments to West Bengal, increasing employment, and how to stop… pic.twitter.com/8AQ1su5CZB— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2026 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". News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 23, 2026, 13:17 IST News india 'Don't Play With Fire': Humayun Kabir Warns Bengal Government Over Cow Slaughter Curb Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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