‘If my wife falls ill, I should treat her, not remarry’: Himanta rejects Congress’ polygamy demand

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 27, strongly opposed any provision allowing polygamy on grounds of illness of a spouse, saying marriage in Hindu society is considered a “divine relationship” built on care and commitment.

Speaking on the issue, the Assam chief minister criticised the Indian National Congress over what he described as support for allowing a man to remarry if his wife falls ill.

“In our Hindu society, we believe that a husband-wife relationship is a divine relationship. If my wife falls ill, it is not my job to marry again. My job is to get my wife treated,” Sarma said.

He alleged that the Congress was advocating for giving men another opportunity to marry if their wives are unwell, calling such a position “cruelty”.

“A prestigious political party cannot say that if your wife is ill, instead of treating and taking care of her, you should get married again. You will push her into mental agony. What kind of society is this?” he asked.

The chief minister said the demand for permitting polygamy without legal grounds had been rejected by his government.
“For no reason, unless you prove that she is unfaithful, you cannot allow polygamy,” he said.

Sarma added that in cases where marital disputes arise, the legal route should be followed.

“If you can say that she is not faithful, you will have to go to law and get a divorce. After a proper decree, you can have a second marriage or a marriage after divorce,” he said.

The remarks come amid discussions surrounding provisions related to marriage and polygamy under the proposed legal reforms in Assam.