Coming up in the support of beef ban, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday, May 21, asked all those who want to eat beef to go to ‘Pakistan or Arab countries’.

“It is not about loss or profit… it is an issue of faith and belief. It is a sensitive issue for the Hindus,” Naqvi said at ‘Manthan’ conclave organised by TV channel Aaj Tak, Economic Times reported.

“Those who are dying without eating beef, can go to Pakistan or Arab countries or any other part of world where it is available,” he said.

“Even Muslims are against it…” he contended.

Source: India TV

However, Naqvi’s controversial comments didn’t go well with All India Majlis-e Ittihad al-Muslimin (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi who asked whether the central government would impose blanket ban on beef across India, especially in states like Goa, J&K; and Kerala where a large number of people eat this kind of meat.

Talking about the backwardness among Muslims at the event Naqvi also said Narendra Modi government was taking steps to eradicate poverty among the minorities.

“It is a fact that Muslims have remained away from development. Various social security schemes started by our government would help Muslims in a big way,” he added.

Here’s the video of the debate: