Himanta Biswa Sarma: Daughters are reflection of their mothers; their health must be our priority

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ignited a heated discussion in the state's Legislative Assembly on August 27, addressing the contentious issues of child marriage and polygamy. Sarma emphasised the importance of protecting young women's health and well-being, regardless of their religious background.

"Whether Hindu or Muslim, daughters are the symbol of their mother. Their health and well-being is our responsibility," Sarma declared. He painted a stark picture of the consequences of early marriage, describing young mothers as "lean and thin" with "no blood in their bodies" after multiple pregnancies by their early twenties.

The Chief Minister challenged both Hindu and Muslim legislators to take action against child marriage, urging them to use their public platforms to discourage marriages before the age of 18. He highlighted the stark health disparities between young women in different communities, claiming that "80% of the girls" show visible differences by age 24.

Sarma also broached the topic of polygamy, expressing his government's intention to introduce legislation on the matter. He provocatively suggested that if polygamy is indeed more prevalent among Hindus, as some claim, then perhaps the ban should start there. "Please support us there," he challenged his opponents.

The Chief Minister's speech underlined his commitment to addressing these issues across religious lines. "If I can be a Hindu and feel the pain of a Muslim girl, why can't you understand as you took birth from the same mother?" Sarma questioned, calling for empathy and action from all quarters.