West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has challenged the new legislation brought by the Central government to implement a ban on cattle slaughter.

In a press conference in Kolkata, the West Bengal CM said that the Centre's move is unconstitutional. She said that West Bengal will neither accept it nor are they bound by it. "We won't accept the Centre's decision, it is unconstitutional; we will challenge it legally," she said.


The CM said it was a move by the Modi government to demoralize and destroy the federal structure of the country. She branded it as a direct encroachment to the federal structure.


She said that the law was very clear and as per the Constitution, the Centre has no right to dictate terms to states with respect and would challenge the law constitutionally.

Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.