Kolkata, May 17 -- A controversy erupted in West Bengal on Saturday after newly elected BJP MLA Rekha Patra stopped a vehicle carrying cattle in North 24-Parganas' Hingalganj and demanded "birth certificates" for the animals to verify whether they were old enough for slaughter.

The incident reportedly took place in the Lebukhali area, where the cattle-laden vehicle was intercepted by Patra and her supporters. The MLA allegedly had the cattle unloaded from the vehicle and tied under a roadside tree. Straw and water were also arranged for the animals.

Defending her actions, Patra said the newly formed BJP government in the state had adopted a stricter policy against illegal cattle transportation and slaughter. "As our government has directed, there will be a strict ban on slaughtering cows below 14 years. If anyone is found transporting cows illegally, we must catch them and ask them to show the birth certificates of the cows. Due course of law will be followed if anyone fails to show birth certificate," Patra told reporters.

The state government circular, however, states that what is required is a "fitness certificate" declaring the animal suitable for slaughter. The certificate can be jointly issued only by the chairman of a municipality or the sabhapati of a panchayat samiti, along with a government veterinary surgeon.

Patra's remarks triggered sharp reactions from the Trinamool Congress. Trinamool leader and MLA Kunal Ghosh mocked the BJP MLA's demand, questioning whether any BJP-ruled state issued "birth certificates" for cattle.

"We request the honourable legislator to produce one such certificate from any double-engine state. It would help as a reference," Ghosh said.

Sharing a video on the issue, TMC leader and MP Mahua Moitra wrote on X: "Newly elected BJP MLA in Bengal insists on birth certificates for bovines to prove they are of age. Parivartan".

Moitra condemned the new West Bengal BJP government's enforcement of stricter cattle slaughter rules, framing it as selective targeting and an overreach of majoritarian rule, which is adversely affecting the village economy.

She also alleged that the BJP earlier had accepted large political donations through electoral bonds from major Indian beef and meat-exporting companies, highlighting what she describes as a contradiction between the party's ideological stance on cow slaughter and its financial backing.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.