GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that his government intends to impose a “complete ban on polygamy” after the Lok Sabha elections, signalling the forthcoming implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to introducing the UCC in Assam, Chief Minister Sarma asserted that the administration is laying the groundwork for its implementation while focusing on prohibiting polygamy and child marriage.
In response to a comment made by India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) supremo Badruddin Ajmal and highlighted by the press, the Chief Minister, addressing the Dhubri MP directly, offered a pointed suggestion that he should consider marriage before the enforcement of the UCC in Assam.
“He should consider tying the knot now because after the Lok Sabha polls, the UCC will be enforced, potentially leading to legal repercussions. As far as I’m aware, he currently has one spouse; he could consider adding two or three more, but post-elections, polygamy will be prohibited. If he does it now and invites me, even I will attend the ceremony,” remarked Sarma.
The recent proposal by the government to revoke the Muslim Marriage Act has sparked heated debate, with many interpreting it as a precursor to the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code in the state.
Opposition leaders, particularly from the AIUDF, have strongly criticised the BJP-led government’s initiative, denouncing it as discriminatory against Muslims.
In January, Sarma suggested that public consultations on the UCC Bill could start in two to three months, after which it would be presented in the assembly.
He had also added that Assam would emulate Uttarakhand and Gujarat in implementing the UCC as the two states are set to lead the implementation nationwide.
He also specified that the tribal population of the state would be exempt from its provisions.
