Assam CM blasts AIUDF over child marriage, says ‘won’t allow ill-practice’

GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Monday (February 26), slammed Badruddin Ajmal led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) over the issue of child marriage in the state.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma vehemently criticized the AIUDF, accusing them of endorsing the practice of child marriage and consistently opposing government efforts to combat this social menace.

Expressing frustration, the Assam chief minister warned the opposition, including the AIUDF and Congress, to cease their involvement in arranging marriages for young girls and boys under the guise of child marriage.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted his unwavering stance, declaring that he would not permit the business of child marriage to thrive in Assam as long as he is alive.

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“I categorically state that under my watch, child marriage will not be tolerated in Assam,” declared CM Sarma in the state’s assembly.

He issued a political challenge, affirming his determination to eradicate the practice before 2026.

Emphasizing the welfare of children, Sarma vowed, “I will not permit the marriage of 5-6-year-old girls. As long as I am alive, child marriage will not be sanctioned in Assam.”

In a direct rebuke to the Congress, CM Sarma questioned their integrity, asking, “Do you not feel ashamed? Are you advocating for the marriage of 5, 6, or 7-year-old children?”