“Why So Secret?” — Mama Asks Women to Call If Husbands Plan Another Marriage

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday delivered a stern — yet characteristically witty — message on polygamy and population control, making it clear that multiple marriages will no longer be a “family tradition” but a fast track to jail.

Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister remarked that earlier, men in households could marry up to four times, but asked pointedly, “Can they do it now?” He then laid out the consequences in unmistakable terms:

• Seven years of imprisonment for a second marriage

• Fourteen years for a third marriage

• Twenty-one years of rigorous imprisonment for a fourth marriage

With a smile and a warning, CM Sarma urged women to remain alert and proactive.

“If your husband even thinks of marrying again, make a secret call,” he said humorously, adding, “Tell your husband to stay with you for life — then he is safe. Otherwise, ‘Mama’ will send him to jail. He has no other option.”

Turning to population control, the Chief Minister stressed that families should limit themselves to a maximum of three children.

“Three children are fine, but four are not,” he said firmly, explaining that larger families often lead to financial instability due to increased responsibilities related to education, health, and overall well-being.

In a candid and hard-hitting remark, CM Sarma addressed claims that children are born purely by divine blessings.

“Some women say a child is born with Allah’s blessings. I ask them — have you seen Allah? They say no. Then how do you know? Because people in the village say so?” he said, adding, “Can the village give birth to a child? It is planned between a husband and wife. Don’t drag Allah into this.”

He further noted that unchecked population growth hampers women’s empowerment.

“How will women become ‘Lakhpati Didi’ if they have no time because of too many children?” he asked, adding that he deliberately suggested three children instead of two, knowing that stricter advice might invite backlash.

In a significant announcement, CM Sarma revealed that the Assam government will soon launch a dedicated phone number for women, allowing them to directly lodge complaints against husbands attempting polygamy — straight to the Chief Minister’s office.

The message was loud and clear: love your wife, plan your family, or be prepared to meet ‘Mama’ — in jail.

Also Read: “Who Is Himanta Biswa Sarma?” — Gaurav Gogoi Questions CM’s Authority Over ST Status, Zubeen Garg Death