Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, strongly denounced the Opposition’s stance on child marriages in the state during a session in the assembly. He vowed to prevent such marriages from occurring as long as he is alive. Sarma’s remarks came as the Congress and AIUDF protested against the state Cabinet’s decision to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935.
Assam CM Vows to End Child Marriages
The Cabinet’s move aims to tackle the social issue of child marriage, which was approved on February 23.
In a fiery speech in the assembly, Sarma told the protesting Congress and AIUDF MLAs, “Listen you all. As long as I, Himanta Biswa Sarma, am alive, I will not allow child marriages to happen in Assam.”
“We will not rest in peace until we completely close the shop that you people have opened to ruin the daughters of the Muslim community before 2026 (assembly elections),” he said as the Opposition walked out of the House.
In response to the Opposition’s objections, Sarma reiterated his commitment to ending the practice of child marriage, emphasizing that decisive action is necessary. Despite the Congress walking out of the House in protest, Sarma remained resolute in his stance. The AIUDF also voiced its discontent by staging a brief walkout and protesting within the assembly. However, the Speaker proceeded with the scheduled proceedings, as other opposition parties, such as CPI(M), continued to engage in the session.
