Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday that the state government’s proposed bill to ban polygamy is not meant to target Miyas. He said the practice of marrying more than one woman exists among people of different religions, although it is more common among Miyas.
Speaking to reporters at an event in Rangapara in Sonitpur district, Sarma said, “In checking polygamy, we are not targeting Miyas. People of other religions also do it.” The word Miya is often used as a derogatory term for Bengali speaking Muslims in Assam, who are frequently labelled as Bangladeshi immigrants by non Bengali communities.
Sarma said that although the practice is more widespread among Miyas, “it cannot be said that it does not happen among Hindus.”
On November nine, the state Cabinet approved a bill that seeks to ban polygamy with a few exceptions. The law will allow punishment of up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for anyone found guilty.
The chief minister said he will continue what he called “disturbing doubtful Miyas” for as long as he remains in power. He also criticised the Congress, saying that Miyas are the “oxygen” for the opposition party. According to him, Congress has no real strength in Assam and will contest only twenty two seats in the next assembly election. He alleged that the party has already hinted to potential candidates that they must pay one crore rupees in advance and another three crore later. He said Congress had collected money in a similar manner in the past. He suggested that the seats Congress will contest are likely to be minority dominated constituencies.
Elections for the one hundred and twenty six member Assam Assembly are scheduled for next year.
Sarma said his government has also taken steps to support Miyas through welfare schemes such as Orunudoi and programmes that help women start small businesses. He said there is no issue in including them in these schemes, but added that they must avoid activities such as encroaching on open land.
