Don't politicise Rijiju's beef remarks, says BJP

Union minister had countered BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's statement by questioning could anybody stop him from eating beef

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today distanced itself from Union minister Kiren Rijiju's reported comment on beef eating, saying the issue involves "great religious sentiments" and should not be dragged into the political domain.

Taking on his ministerial colleague Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi over his remark that those who cannot live without eating beef should go to Pakistan or some Arab country, Rijiju had reportedly said in Mizoram's capital Aizawl, "I eat beef, I am from Arunachal Pradesh, can somebody stop me? So let us not be touchy about somebody's practices."

Asked about the row, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "As far as beef ban is concerned, it is a matter of great religious sentiments across the length and breadth of the country. So I would not pull this issue in the political domain."

Rijiju earlier today clarified his comment saying he never said he ate beef but insisted that no restrictions can be put on food habits in a secular country like India. Sale and consumption of beef have been banned in BJP ruled states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.