AIUDF MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya criticized the BJP-led Union government’s pursuit of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asserting that it is impractical to implement uniform civil laws nationwide. Barbhuiya contended that the proposed UCC does not align with the diverse religious and cultural practices observed across the country.
In an interview with ANI on Wednesday, Barbhuiya argued, “The BJP-led central government cannot feasibly enforce the UCC nationwide because it contradicts the customs and regulations followed by individuals of different faiths and diverse communities. India is celebrated for its unity in diversity, with people of various religious backgrounds adhering to their distinct sets of rules and provisions, all protected by the Constitution. This diversity is a hallmark of India’s identity on the global stage. However, the BJP appears to be undermining this diversity. They claim to champion Hindutva, but their actions do not serve the interests of the majority community or those from other faiths. They are merely exploiting emotions. They cannot even implement the UCC in the Northeast.”
Barbhuiya’s comments come in response to the Assam government’s recent move to form a committee, chaired by the state’s Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia, to draft legislation aimed at prohibiting practices such as polygamy, inter-religious marriage by false identity, and the involvement of ‘Kazis’ in officiating child marriages.
The AIUDF MLA also criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing the BJP of introducing bills for political gains. He questioned the actual implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and highlighted instances of alleged corruption under the BJP-led government in the state.
Regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Barbhuiya predicted challenges for the BJP, suggesting that they may struggle to secure more than 170 seats. He asserted that the AIUDF would win three Lok Sabha seats in Assam, while the Congress would likely secure only one. Additionally, he claimed that the majority of the Assam Congress was aligned with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
On the proposed bill to ban polygamy in Assam, Barbhuiya mentioned that the party would discuss it but expressed his personal opposition to such legislation.
