Guwahati: Taking a strong exception to the BJP-led Assam government’s consideration to outlaw polygamy in the state, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, MP and president of the All-India United Democratic Front, said that Muslims generally believe in monogamy, and it is the Hindus who often marry multiple times.
Speaking with reporters here, Ajaml came down heavily on the BJP and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that they have snatched everything from the Muslim people residing in the state.
“Muslims do not have jobs or money, and moreover, Himanta Biswa Sarma does not allow the Muslims to sell vegetables in the streets for their living. Thus, Muslims, even if they want to, cannot marry more than once.”
Ajmal, who represents Lok Sabha members from Dhubri, said that Hindus today frequently have many wives.
Earlier, Sarma said that there was considerable public support for outlawing polygamy in the state.
A committee was set up by the state administration to examine whether it would be possible to pass legislation outlawing polygamy in Assam. The government solicited public comment after the relevant committee’s report was submitted before introducing a law in the state assembly.
Sarma said, “We have received a total of 149 suggestions in response to our public notice. Out of these, 146 suggestions are in favor of the bill, indicating strong public support. However, three organizations have expressed their opposition to the bill.”
“We will now proceed to the next stage of the process, which is to complete the final drafting of the bill in the next 45 days,” he added.
The expert committee’s report stated that the Indian Constitution allows the Union and the States the authority to pass laws on specific topics.
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