Meghalaya BJP Leader Quits Party Protesting Against Cattle Trade Rule | Read

As the Central government confronts strong opposition to its new rule banning cattle trade for slaughter in south and the northeast, a BJP leader in Meghalaya has resigned in protest. Bernard Marak, a leader from Garo hills, had recently caused a stir by promising cheaper beef to people if they voted the BJP to power. Assembly polls are due early next year in the hill state, where beef is a staple. "I have decided to quit the party because I am a Christian and Garo first," Mr Marak said today, adding, "The BJP is hurting the sentiments here on the beef issue. Tribal society has its own laws. The BJP is trying to push Hindutva."