Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party in the state assembly, stating that while the Congress had first sought the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in 1925, the party now represents only one community. He made the remarks during a discussion on the UCC in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
Congress's historical stance on UCC
Sarma highlighted that the Congress party, which had initially advocated for a UCC nearly a century ago, has now shifted its position. He pointed out that the demand for a common civil code was first raised by the Congress in 1925, but the party today appears to be opposing its own historical stance. The Chief Minister accused the Congress of abandoning its principles for political gains.
Composition of Congress MLAs in Assam
Referring to the current strength of the Congress in the Assam Assembly, Sarma noted that out of the party's 19 MLAs in the 126-member house, 18 belong to the Muslim community, while only one is Hindu. He argued that this demographic composition reflects the party's narrow focus on a single community, contrary to its claims of representing all sections of society.
The Chief Minister's statement comes amid a renewed debate on the UCC, which seeks to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens. The BJP-led government at the Centre has been pushing for the implementation of the UCC, citing the need for gender justice and national integration.
Political reactions
The Congress party has not yet officially responded to Sarma's remarks. However, political observers note that the issue of UCC has long been a contentious one in Indian politics, with parties often divided along religious and ideological lines. The Assam Assembly witnessed heated exchanges between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress members during the discussion.
Sarma's comments are expected to further intensify the political discourse around the UCC in the state, especially with assembly elections due in the next few years. The Chief Minister has consistently advocated for the UCC, arguing that it would promote social harmony and gender equality.
