Guwahati, Aug. 29 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday reiterated that cow protection in the state is not merely a matter of religious belief but also a reflection of government policy and intent.

His remarks came alongside a photograph shared on X showing Union Home Minister Amit Shah feeding a cow during his two-day visit to Assam ahead of next year's state assembly elections.

In Assam, cow protection has emerged as a key theme of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) governance, blending cultural and religious sentiment with political messaging aimed at consolidating its Hindu voter base.

Under Sarma's leadership, the state enacted the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, which bans cattle slaughter and beef sales in H...