Guwahati, 24th February: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) leader Badruddin Ajmal has thrown his support behind the INDIA Alliance, emphasizing that it will present a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP-NDA government in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
In a statement to reporters regarding the imminent elections, Ajmal asserted, “The INDIA Alliance will indeed pose a formidable challenge to PM Modi and the BJP-NDA. Our party anticipates securing three seats in the Lok Sabha elections and pledges its support to the INDIA Alliance.”
Ajmal’s endorsement of the INDIA Alliance coincides with the ongoing criticism from the Opposition, particularly the AIUDF in Assam, against the government’s decision to repeal the Muslim Marriage Registration and Divorce Act of 1935.
Reacting to the repeal, Assam Congress MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal vehemently opposed the move, condemning the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government as “anti-Muslim.” Mandal argued that the repeal reflects a deliberate effort to appease Hindu sentiments at the expense of the Muslim community.
Mandal’s strong opposition comes amid broader discussions on the repercussions of the repeal and its ramifications for the Muslim populace in Assam. He criticized the decision, stating, “I have not thoroughly reviewed the details of this repeal. However, it appears to be a discriminatory decision by the Assam cabinet. The government had previously discussed implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and banning polygamy but failed to do so for undisclosed reasons. Now, just before the elections, they are attempting to polarize Hindu voters in favor of the BJP by marginalizing and discriminating against Muslims, such as by repealing this act. Claiming it to be a pre-independence act and citing child marriage as a reason is misleading. This act is the sole mechanism for registering Muslim marriages and is in accordance with the constitution of India. It constitutes Muslim personal law, which cannot be repealed arbitrarily. I will discuss this matter with my party leaders, and my party will address it accordingly.”
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