Mamata Banerjee calls Centre's cattle trade rules unconstitutional, says will challenge it

The central government's decision to ban the sale of cows for slaughter at animal markets is unconstitutional and West Bengal won't abide by the notification, state chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said the Centre's decision was aimed at destroying India's federal structure and bulldoze the state's powers. Regulation of cattle trade is a state subject under the Constitution.

"It is



absolutely unconstitutional so we won't accept it. We will also challenge it," she said.

Her comments add to a swirling controversy over beef consumption, especially after the Centre's controversial notification last week. Kerala has rejected the directive and beef festivals have been held in several parts of the country to protest against the ban that many say violates personal rights and will hurt India's mostly Muslim cattle traders.