Guwahati, 27 May (HS): A heated debate unfolded in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday over the tabled Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with ruling and opposition members engaging in sharp exchanges on issues related to marriage, inheritance rights and personal laws.

Opposition Congress MLA Baby Begum opposed the UCC Bill in the House and defended the practice of polygamy while also raising issues related to rising prices and cooking gas costs during the discussion. She stated that the UCC would be harmful for society and claimed that there was no need for such a law in Assam.

Leader of the Opposition Wajed Ali Choudhury also opposed the Bill, citing provisions of Muslim personal law and arguing against the implementation of the UCC in the state.

Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that the UCC sought to impose bureaucratic control over private relationships and termed the move “completely unconstitutional”.

Participating in the debate, former BJP Minister Pijush Hazarika strongly defended the Bill on the floor of the House. Questioning the practice of multiple marriages without a woman’s consent, he asked, “In which country is there a rule that allows a man to marry four times without the consent of his wife?”

The minister also argued in favour of equal inheritance rights for daughters, questioning why daughters should be denied equal rights over parental property and why discrimination between sons and daughters should continue. He further alleged that opposition members were unwilling to provide daughters with their rightful dignity and rights.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash