Assam UCC Bill not truly equal, claims Congress MLA Zubair Anam

Guwahati, May 25 (IANS) Congress MLA Zubair Anam on Monday criticised the Assam government’s move to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state Assembly, alleging that the proposed legislation lacks equality in several provisions.

Reacting to the tabling of the Bill in the Assembly, Anam told IANS that several provisions in the proposed law appeared unequal and would require detailed discussion during the Assembly proceedings.

“The Bill in itself is not equal. Many issues are not equal,” the Congress legislator said while reacting to the development.

He, however, indicated that the opposition would raise its concerns during discussions on the proposed legislation in the Assembly. “We will discuss it,” Anam told IANS.

Other Congress MLAs have also criticised the Bill, asserting that any law interfering with the religious practices of minorities would be opposed by the party.

The Assam government on Monday introduced the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, in the Assembly, with Minister Atul Bora tabling the legislation on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The ruling BJP has maintained that the proposed UCC would ensure equality before the law and bring uniformity in civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. However, opposition parties have raised concerns over the proposed legislation, arguing that certain provisions may impact the rights and customs of different communities.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the introduction of the Bill in the Assembly would pave the way for an “on record discussion” on why the UCC is necessary and how it aligns with the vision of the country’s founding fathers.

“The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill in the Assam Vidhan Sabha paves the way for an on-record discussion on why #UCCAssam is the need of the hour and how it will help realise the path laid down by our founding fathers,” the Chief Minister wrote on X.

–IANS

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