Guwahati, August 28, 2024 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stirred a fervent debate in the Assam Legislative Assembly on August 27, addressing the critical issues of child marriage and polygamy. Sarma underscored the urgent need to protect the health and well-being of young women across all communities, advocating for legislative and societal action.
“Whether Hindu or Muslim, daughters are the symbol of their mother. Their health and well-being is our responsibility,” Sarma asserted, highlighting the severe consequences of early marriage. He painted a troubling picture of young mothers, describing them as “lean and thin” with deteriorating health after multiple pregnancies by their early twenties.
Sarma urged legislators, regardless of their religious affiliation, to actively discourage marriages before the legal age of 18. He pointed to significant health disparities between young women in various communities, claiming that by age 24, “80% of the girls” show visible differences in health outcomes.
Touching on the controversial issue of polygamy, the Chief Minister revealed his government’s intention to introduce legislation aimed at curbing the practice. In a provocative statement, he challenged those who claim that polygamy is more prevalent among Hindus, suggesting that the ban could begin within that community. “Please support us there,” he urged his political opponents.
Sarma’s address emphasized a call for empathy and action that transcends religious boundaries. “If I can be a Hindu and feel the pain of a Muslim girl, why can’t you understand as you took birth from the same mother?” he questioned, urging a unified approach to tackling these deeply rooted social issues.
The Chief Minister’s speech highlighted his commitment to reforming societal norms and ensuring the well-being of all young women in Assam, setting the stage for potential legislative changes in the near future.