Bengal Eid Row Heats Up: Humayun Kabir Warns Govt Over Qurbani, Namaz Restrictions
Political tensions in West Bengal intensified ahead of Eid al-Adha after AJUP chief Humayun Kabir launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led state administration over recent guidelines linked to cow slaughter, Eid prayers, and madrasa practices.
The controversy began after the Bengal government issued fresh rules restricting cattle slaughter unless certain legal conditions are fulfilled before Eid. While the administration clarified that the guidelines were not specifically targeted at the festival, Kabir strongly opposed the move and accused the government of interfering in religious practices.
In a fiery statement, Kabir warned the government “not to play with fire,” saying that ritual qurbani during Eid would continue despite restrictions. He also criticised discussions around limiting Eid namaz on roads and the reported push for mandatory singing of Vande Mataram in madrasas, calling it an attempt to create unnecessary tension.
The remarks quickly triggered a political storm across the state, with BJP leaders defending the government’s stance and insisting that the law would be enforced equally for everyone. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya stated that regulations regarding cattle slaughter are part of legal and administrative procedures and should not be viewed through a communal lens.
As the war of words escalates, the issue has once again brought religious identity, political messaging, and public sentiment into the centre of Bengal politics ahead of the festive season.
The ongoing confrontation is now being closely watched, as both sides continue to mobilise support while trying to shape the narrative around faith, law, and governance in the state.
