Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for the nationwide implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying Muslim women are among those most affected by its absence.
Speaking to reporters in Teliyajot village in Uttar Pradesh’s Basti district, Sarma said a common legal framework was needed to address practices such as polygamy.
“The UCC has already been notified in Assam and should be implemented nationwide,” he said.
“Muslim women suffer the most in its absence,” the chief minister added, highlighting the need for a common law.
Sarma was visiting the village to offer condolences to the family of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Harish Dwivedi following the death of Dwivedi’s mother.
The Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, irrespective of religious affiliation. The proposal has remained a subject of political debate in India.
Sarma Says Political Power Comes Through Votes
Responding to questions about the Congress and other opposition parties targeting the BJP amid protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for a change of government, Sarma said political power should be determined through elections.
“Power comes through votes, not through strong-arm tactics,” he said.
