West Bengal will not abide by notification on cattle slaughter, says Mamata

Describes the notification as a "deliberate attempt to encroach upon the State power", and terms it "unconstitutional."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said her government would not abide by the recent notification of the Union government imposing restrictions on cattle slaughter.

"We are not accepting the notification. We will take recourse to law and consult our advocate general," she said at a press conference at the State Secretariat

Ms Banerjee described the notification as a "deliberate attempt to encroach upon the State power", and termed it "unconstitutional."

Cattle markets fell under the purview of the State and the Centre was encroaching on the powers of the State when it was imposing restrictions on sale of cattle in such markets, she said, adding, "I would request the Centre to not interfere in State subjects."

Ms Banerjee, who had spoken about the right to one's food, said that no one had right to decide what one should eat.

The Chief Minister also questioned the timing of the notification. She asked as to why it was out before the month of Ramzan.