Assam CM Himanta Calls AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal 'Etiquette-less' for Disrespecting Women

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday came down heavily on All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief LS Badruddin Ajmal saying he doesn’t respect women. Sarma, while delivering a speech in the open session of Srimanta Shankardev Sangha annual conference, called it “unfortunate” to invite Badruddin Ajmal to any of the branches of Shankardev Sangha.

The Assam CM was participating in the 93rd Session of Srimanta Shankardev Sangha held at Rangia on Sunday.

“Badruddin Ajmal has no etiquettes. He never respects women in the society. Rather for him, women are human reproductive machines. He wants every woman to stay in Burqa. So it is unfortunate to invite him to any of the branches of Shankardev Sangha,” the Assam CM said.

CM Sarma referred to the recently held Women and Youth conclave of Shankardev Sangha held in Dudhnoi in Goalpara district, where controversy erupted after Dhubri MP LS Badaruddin Ajmal participated in the open session.

The AIUDF chief had criticised Muslim women for wearing burqas and even reprimanded young Muslim girls for being “immoral”. “They started shouting, waving toward my security personnel when my convoy passed through,” Ajmal said.

Responding to the AIUDF chief’s statement on women, Assam CM Sarma urged that Ajmal should not be invited to any auspicious occasion.

Referring to Srimanta Shankardev’s contribution to Assamese society, Sarma stated that Shankardev was a great reformer, who respected women’s dignity. “On the other hand, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal shows no respect to women,” he said.

In December 2022, the AIUDF chief had courted controversy by reportedly advising Hindus to marry young to produce more children like Muslims.

“Muslim men marry at the age of 20-22, and Muslim women also marry at 18 after the permissible age by the government. On the other hand, (Hindus) keep one two or three illegal wives before marriage, they don’t give birth to babies, enjoy themselves and save money…,” Ajmal said.

“After the age of 40, they get married under parental pressure. So, how can they expect that they will bear children after 40? If you sow in fertile land then only you can bear good crops there will be growth,” he added.