Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state’s BJP government will soon introduce a stringent law against love jihad. Under this law, not only the accused youth but also his parents will be subject to arrest. Sarma stated that this step is being taken to protect women from tendencies like seduction and polygamy. He said that this law is necessary to ensure the safety and dignity of women.
Polygamy will also be strictly enforced
Chief Minister Sarma stated that the government will introduce several important bills in the upcoming assembly session, which will contain provisions related to both polygamy and love jihad. He said that the new law will severely crack down on men who exploit women by marrying more than once. Sarma clarified that anyone who marries more than once could face up to seven years in prison. He said that this law will be an important step in curbing injustice against women in society.
Comments on Population and Government Aid
In a statement, the Chief Minister said that some people make excuses by saying that God gives them children, so they cannot restrict their births. Sarma responded by saying that they should have as many children as they want, but they should not expect the government to help with their upbringing or education. This statement was made in response to the growing population in the state and the increasing pressure on government resources. He said that the government is implementing schemes responsibly despite limited resources.
Sharp Attack on Medha Patkar
Chief Minister Sarma also sharply attacked social activist Medha Patkar. He said that outsiders cannot understand the pain of the indigenous people of Assam. Sarma said that some communities are trying to take over our land and trap our sisters in false love affairs. He said that when activists like Medha Patkar protest against government actions in Assam, they ignore the real problems in Assam. Sarma warned that if she interferes in such issues again, strict action will be taken.
The History and Truth of the ‘Love Jihad’ Debate
The term ‘Love Jihad’ was first used in 2009 by Sanatan Prabhat and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, and later promoted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. After 2014, the issue became a political agenda in BJP-ruled states. States like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have laws in place. While media reports mention some such cases, there are no official statistics. Social activists say that innocent people are often implicated in these cases, fueling fear and distrust in society.
