A political debate over polygamy and personal laws in Maharashtra has triggered sharp reactions after NCP MLA Sana Malik made strong remarks in the state Assembly, objecting to comparisons with Pakistan and insisting that women’s issues must not be framed through a religious or foreign lens.
Speaking during the discussion, Malik said, “It was a woman’s issue, and it was linked to religion. Our first objection was that you should not link women’s issues with religion.” She added that the debate was being misdirected away from its core concern of women’s rights.
She also strongly objected to references made to Pakistan during the discussion, stating, “Our second objection was that you raised the issue of polygamy, and while raising this issue, you quoted Pakistan… We live in India, we are Indian Muslims.”
Emphasising constitutional protection of religious freedom, she said, “The Constitution has given Indian Muslims the right to practice their religion. In this way, we follow the Quran.”
Rejecting external comparisons, Malik further stated, “If you want to make a rule and Pakistan has done something, then don’t give us a reference. Give us the reference of the Quran.”
She also asserted national identity while responding to political criticism, saying, “No matter what anyone says, we won’t go to Pakistan because of anyone’s words… We will move forward in the manner our Constitution empowers us.”
What is the issue?
The controversy erupted during a heated Assembly discussion on polygamy and women’s rights under personal laws, where BJP legislators reportedly cited examples from Pakistan while criticising the practice. This led to a political exchange after NCP MLA Sana Malik objected, arguing that such comparisons were irrelevant to India’s constitutional framework and only served to polarise a legal and social issue concerning women’s rights. The debate quickly expanded into a larger political confrontation over religious law, constitutional rights, and the framing of personal law reforms in India.
