Guwahati, July 3 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday challenged the Congress to say that cow slaughter in the name of sacrifice was a "heinous crime", stating that it will take seven lifetimes for the opposition party to say it.

"I challenge Congress to muster the courage to tell the Muslim community in Assam that cow slaughter in the name of sacrifice is a heinous crime. They will never be able to say it. When it comes to the rights of Gaumata (Cow), the BJP does not care about any vote bank," Sarma posted on X.

He said that the BJP has the courage to say that Islam doesn't mandate cow sacrifice and allows for the sacrifices of other animals.

"They will never speak against Qurbani. However, the BJP has the courage ...