Assam BJP chief Dilip Saikia calls UCC ‘big step towards justice for women’
Guwahati, May 30 (IANS) Assam Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Dilip Saikia said on Saturday that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a big step towards providing justice for women.
His response came after the Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the UCC Bill, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stating that the legislation would now be sent to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya for approval before being forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu for assent.
Speaking to IANS, Saikia recalled that the BJP-led NDA had promised to bring in the UCC if the party returns to power in the state. “Opportunity was given for all the parties to put forward their opinions, and after due discussions and deliberations, the UCC was passed in the Assam Assembly,” he said.
While emphasising that UCC means “one nation, one law and one identity, for all religions and communities”, he added: “We will continue with our diverse culture and traditions across the country.”
Referring to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s appeal: “One country cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags”, Saikia said: “The process to have only one set of personal laws in the country has begun.”
He asserted that the passing of the Bill is important for the country.
“UCC will be a big step towards providing justice to women in the country,” the Assam BJP chief said.
Moreover, he asserted that the Bill will also ensure that all citizens are provided justice under one law.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a common civil framework on matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion.
The Bill also proposes a ban on polygamy and makes registration of live-in relationships mandatory.
While the BJP-led Assam government has maintained that the UCC is aimed at ensuring equality and social justice, opposition parties and several organisations have voiced concerns over certain provisions and exemptions in the legislation.
Hailing the passage of the UCC Bill, 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had said that it would usher in a new era of social justice, equality and good governance in the state.
–IANS
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