'Black day for Congress', Assam minister lashes out at grand old party for its stance on Muslim Marriage Act

Assam Cabinet Minister Slams Congress for Opposing Child Marriage Bill

Guwahati, Feb 27 (IANS) – Assam Cabinet minister Pijush Hazarika criticized the Congress party for opposing the government’s move to end child marriages in the state. Hazarika called it a “black day for the Congress” as they objected to repealing the Muslim Marriage Act on the floor of the Assembly.

Hazarika took to social media, expressing his disappointment with the Congress’ stance. He wrote, “Today is a black day for the Congress in the Assam Assembly, they opposed a bill that prevented Qazis from registering any marriage with underage girls.” He also added, “A party – that prided itself on being ‘liberal’ – has been reduced to backing child marriages for its survival!”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma affirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating child marriage within the next two years. Sarma proclaimed, “I will not let child marriage happen in the state. Till Himanta Biswa Sarma is alive here, child marriages cannot happen in Assam.” The government has devised an action plan to eliminate child marriage by 2026.

During a discussion in the Assam Assembly, Sarma criticized AIUDF legislators and vowed to shut down any business involving Muslim children. He emphasized the need to repeal the outdated Assam Muslim Marriage Act, which had provisions for child marriages aged five to six years. The act was scrapped by the state government in a recent decision.

The long-standing Assam Muslim Marriage & Divorce Registration Act of 1935 was officially repealed by the state government in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The move signifies the government’s firm stance against child marriage and commitment to social reform.