Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has renewed his demand for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to be implemented across India, arguing that Muslim women are particularly affected by its absence. He made the remarks during a visit to Basti district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, October 18.
Sarma said a common civil law was needed to address issues such as polygamy. He also called for the policy to be implemented nationwide, reiterating his position on uniform civil laws across communities.
The chief minister was visiting Teliyajot village to offer condolences to the family of Harish Dwivedi, a BJP national general secretary, following the death of Dwivedi’s mother.
Himanta Sarma Reiterates Demand for Nationwide UCC
During his interaction with reporters, Sarma argued that the UCC should be implemented throughout the country. He said the absence of a common legal framework disproportionately affects Muslim women and highlighted polygamy as one of the issues requiring attention.
The Uniform Civil Code refers to the idea of a common set of civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and related personal matters, irrespective of religious affiliation. The proposal has remained a subject of political and legal debate in India.
Sarma Responds to Opposition Criticism
Sarma also responded to criticism from the Congress and other opposition parties amid protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and calls for a change of government.
He argued that political power is obtained through votes rather than intimidation. Referring to developments in Bangladesh and Nepal, he criticised the idea of attempting to bring about a change of government through strong-arm tactics.
Sarma also claimed that between 5,000 and 10,000 people had participated in a protest in Delhi. The figure was presented as his assessment.
Assam CM Comments on Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede
During the visit, Sarma also expressed grief over a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. He said the government had taken note of the incident, arranged treatment for injured people and initiated measures aimed at preventing similar incidents.
The chief minister travelled by road from Ayodhya to Dwivedi’s residence, where he paid floral tributes to a portrait of the late family member and offered condolences.
His remarks brought the debate over a nationwide Uniform Civil Code back into focus, alongside ongoing political disagreements over electoral roll revisions and protests.
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