DELHI February 24, 2024:In a heated exchange of words, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader and spokesperson, Waris Pathan, has accused the Assam government, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, of being anti-Muslim following the recent repeal of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act. Pathan alleges that the government’s actions violate key constitutional articles pertaining to religious freedom.
The repealed law, which governed Muslim marriages and divorces, has drawn criticism from Pathan, who argues that it infringes upon the fundamental rights enshrined in articles 25, 26, and 28 of the Indian constitution. According to him, every individual has the right to practice their religion, and the government’s interference in Muslim personal laws undermines these constitutional guarantees.
Pathan further pointed to the broader context, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of displaying a pattern of prejudice against Muslims. He referenced previous legislations on Triple Talaq and the recent law against Muslim marriages as evidence of a discriminatory agenda. Pathan expressed concerns about the government’s apparent disregard for the diverse cultural and religious practices of the Muslim community.
“BJP govt is anti-Muslim,” Pathan declared. “The law brought by Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam is a violation of article 25, 26, and 28 of the constitution. It is the fundamental right; everyone has the right to practice their religion. The BJP govt hates Muslims; they hate our eating habits. First, they brought a law on Triple Talaq, and now a law against Muslim marriage…what is the need for a different law in Assam. As the elections are coming, they are trying to polarise…”
Pathan’s comments suggest a political dimension to the government’s actions, implying that the timing of the repeal might be aimed at polarizing the community ahead of upcoming elections. As tensions rise, this accusation adds fuel to an already contentious debate surrounding the government’s role in shaping personal laws and its impact on religious communities.
The Assam government, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, has yet to respond to these allegations. As the situation unfolds, it raises important questions about the balance between state intervention in personal laws and the protection of religious freedom in a diverse and pluralistic society.
