Assam Congress MLA calls BJP anti-muslim government, criticizes state cabinet's repeal of Muslim Marriage Act

In a significant move towards the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, the Assam Cabinet announced the repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935. 

The repeal effectively transfers all matters pertaining to Muslim marriages and divorces to the purview of the Special Marriages Act. This move signals a departure from the existing legislation specific to the Muslim community, aligning with the broader principle of a uniform legal framework for all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.

In response to the decision, Assam Congress MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal expressing strong opposition. Mandal denounced the move, labeling the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government as "anti-Muslim." He asserted that the repeal reflects a deliberate attempt to cater to Hindu sentiments at the expense of the Muslim community.

Mandal's scathing remarks come amidst a broader discussion on the implications of the repeal and its impact on the Muslim community in Assam. He stated, "I have not gone through the details of this repealing. Overall it is a discriminatory decision of the cabinet of Assam because the govt was talking about the UCC and banning polygamy but they failed to do so (bringing the UCC and banning polygamy) for unknown reasons. Just before the election, they're trying to polarise the Hindu voters in favour of BJP by depriving and discriminating Muslims in some fields like repealing this act saying that this is a pre-independence act and citing child marriage which is not a fact. This is the only mechanism to register the marriages of Muslims and there is no other scope or institution and it is also as per the constitution of India. It is the personal law of the Muslim that can't be repealed... I'll discuss it with the leaders of my party and my party will speak about it."

“This (BJP) is absolutely an anti-Muslim government. They are trying to show the Hindu people that they are favoring them and depriving the Muslims,” Mandal stated, emphasizing the perceived discriminatory nature of the decision.