Kolkata: Newly elected BJP MLA Rekha Patra on Saturday intercepted a vehicle carrying cattle in Hingalganj and said those transporting cows must produce “birth certificates” to prove the animals are old enough for slaughter.

The incident reportedly took place in the Lebukhali area of Hingalganj, where Patra, the BJP MLA from the constituency, stopped the cattle-laden vehicle during transit.

After halting the vehicle, the MLA allegedly had the cattle unloaded, tied the animals under a roadside tree and arranged straw and water for them.

Rekha Patra cites new guideline on cattle slaughter

Speaking about the action, Rekha Patra said Suvendu Adhikari had directed strict action against illegal cattle trade.

She further claimed that a new government guideline states cattle below 14 years of age cannot be slaughtered.

“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,” she said.

Trinamool questions practicality of ‘cow birth certificates’

The remarks quickly triggered a political response from the ruling All India Trinamool Congress.

Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh questioned whether such birth certificates for cattle even existed and challenged the BJP to provide an example from a BJP-ruled state.

“We request the honourable legislator to bring one such birth certificate issued for a cow from any double-engine state. It would be helpful for references,” Ghosh said.

“If the BJP manages to show such a birth certificate of a cow, we need to check who has authorised those certificates,” he added.

Political row erupts over cattle transport remarks

The incident has now sparked a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, with both parties trading remarks over cattle transport and slaughter regulations.

The comments made by Rekha Patra have also drawn attention on social media, where her statement regarding “birth certificates” for cows has become a major talking point.