‘Love jihad’, polygamy bills on the way? Assam CM signals ‘major legislation’ in next Assembly session

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the government plans to introduce several new bills in the upcoming Assembly session, focusing on issues such as ‘love jihad’ and polygamy. The session is expected to be held next month.

Sarma made the announcement while speaking to reporters in Nagaon during an official event. He said more information will be shared after the state cabinet reviews and approves the proposed drafts.

“In the coming session of the Assam Assembly, we will introduce some important and historic bills on issues like ‘love jihad’, polygamy, preservation of Satras, and land rights for tea tribes,” the chief minister said.

The proposed legislative agenda reflects the Assam government’s ongoing efforts to regulate interfaith marriages and polygamous relationships, alongside initiatives to safeguard cultural institutions and support marginalised communities.

While the chief minister did not provide specific details about the provisions of the upcoming bills, he emphasised that these measures would be significant in scope. The government is also expected to include proposals related to the preservation of Satras — Vaishnavite monasteries integral to Assam’s cultural identity — and the protection of land rights for the tea tribe community.

The announcement follows previous discussions by the Assam government on introducing laws to counter alleged instances of coerced religious conversions under the guise of marriage and to curb polygamy.

Further details on the draft legislation will be made public after cabinet approval, Sarma confirmed.
(With PTI inputs)