BJP man who called for beef party quits

As a Garo, it is my responsibility to protect the interest of my community. Beefeating is part of our culture and tradition. Imposition of BJP’s nonsecular ideology on us is not acceptable.

The North Garo Hills district Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Bachu Marak resigned on Monday from the right-wing party.

Bachu’s resignation comes four days after West Garo Hills district president Bernard Mark made an exit from the party on the issue of beef ban.

“I cannot compromise on the sentiments of the Garos. As a Garo, it is my responsibility to protect the interest of my community. Beef-eating is part of our culture and tradition. Imposition of BJP’s non-secular ideology on us is not acceptable,” Bachu said.

He has submitted his resignation to state party president Shibun Lyngdoh.

Bachu had proposed a bitchi (rice beer) and beef party in the Garo Hills on his Facebook page recently to mark the Modi government’s three years in office and had attracted party leadership’s criticism.

BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli had warned of stringent action against Bachu.

Former BJP leader Bernard, who had resigned from the party, is organising a beef party at the Eden Bari locality of Tura on June 10 and Bachu is also expected to participate in the event.

“I will attend the beef party in Tura to register our voice against such moves of the BJP,” he said.