Guwahati: The Assam government’s plan to introduce a new law criminalising religious conversions through marriage has drawn strong criticism from activists and scholars, who say it targets Muslims under the guise of protecting “social harmony.”
Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the proposed law threatens life imprisonment for alleged coerced conversions and even allows the arrest of the accused man’s parents. Critics say the legislation mirrors the “love jihad” narrative used in other BJP-ruled states and is aimed at vilifying Muslim men.
Aman Wadud, spokesperson for the Congress party in Assam, said the bill is “a false Hindutva narrative” meant to polarise communities ahead of the 2026 state elections. He added that existing laws are sufficient to address individual cases of coercion, and that creating separate legislation only deepens mistrust.
Scholars have warned that the bill transforms private relationships into matters of state control. Nadira Khatun, professor at XIM University, said it extends the “right-wing propaganda that portrays Muslims as demographic threats.” She noted that such measures, alongside restrictions on beef, hijab, and property, collectively marginalise the Muslim community.
Political scientist Amir Ali from Jawaharlal Nehru University called the idea of “love jihad” “preposterous,” adding that there is no data to prove its existence. He said these laws reflect “a directionless politics” focused on alienating Muslims and eroding inter-community trust.
Observers believe the proposed legislation risks inflaming Assam’s already fragile communal balance and diverting attention from real issues like unemployment and recurring floods that affect millions across the state.
