Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) could not be implemented in the country for decades because of what he described as the Congress party’s “anti-women” approach.
Sarma made the remarks while criticising the Congress over its position on the Uniform Civil Code, arguing that successive governments led by the party had failed to introduce a common civil framework despite the issue being part of India’s broader constitutional and political debate.
The Assam Chief Minister alleged that the Congress had prioritised political considerations over women’s rights, claiming that its policies and approach had delayed reforms that could have ensured greater equality for women.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Targets Congress Over UCC
Sarma alleged that the Congress was responsible for preventing the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code over several decades.
According to the Assam Chief Minister, the party’s approach towards personal laws and civil reforms had affected efforts to introduce a common set of laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
He claimed that the UCC should be viewed as an issue connected with equal rights and justice, particularly for women.
The Congress, however, has maintained positions critical of the BJP’s approach to the Uniform Civil Code and has raised concerns regarding the manner in which such a law could be formulated and implemented.
Assam CM Calls Congress ‘Anti-Women’
Escalating his attack, Sarma described the Congress as “anti-women” and alleged that the party had failed to support reforms aimed at strengthening women’s rights.
He argued that the continued absence of a Uniform Civil Code had affected the country’s ability to establish a common legal framework for personal matters.
Sarma said political parties should support reforms that promote equality and justice rather than oppose them for political reasons.
The remarks form part of the BJP’s broader argument that the implementation of a UCC would help establish greater uniformity in personal laws and ensure equal rights.
UCC Remains a Major Political Issue
The Uniform Civil Code remains one of the significant political and legal issues in India. Article 44 of the Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy refers to the State’s endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens.
Supporters of the UCC argue that it could promote equality and establish a common framework for civil laws. Critics and opponents, however, have raised concerns about its potential impact on religious and cultural diversity, as well as the need for wider consultation before introducing any nationwide legislation.
The issue has therefore remained at the centre of political debate, with different parties offering contrasting views on how such reforms should be pursued.
BJP Continues Push for Uniform Civil Code
The BJP has consistently supported the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code and has presented it as an important legal reform.
Sarma’s latest remarks reflect the party’s continued effort to link the UCC debate with issues of women’s rights and equality.
The Assam Chief Minister has been among the prominent BJP leaders advocating changes in personal laws and policies related to marriage and family matters.
His comments are expected to further intensify the political debate between the BJP and the Congress over the Uniform Civil Code and women’s rights.
Political Debate Over UCC Continues
The Congress and the BJP have continued to differ sharply over the UCC and its proposed implementation.
While the BJP has argued that a Uniform Civil Code is necessary to promote equality and ensure justice, opposition parties have raised questions about the process and framework through which such legislation should be introduced.
Sarma’s allegation that the Congress is “anti-women” is part of the continuing political exchange over the issue.
As the debate surrounding the Uniform Civil Code continues, the Assam Chief Minister’s remarks are likely to generate further reactions from the Congress and other political parties, keeping the issue of civil law reforms and women’s rights at the forefront of political discussions.