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Row over Maharashtra MLA Sana Malik's remark on polygamy: ‘If its implemented in Pakistan…’

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Maharashtra MLA Sana Malik is facing criticism from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders over remarks on polygamy made during a debate on Muslim women's issues.
  • Malik stated that if polygamy is implemented in Pakistan, it should be brought to India, sparking a political controversy.
  • She later clarified that her comments were misunderstood and she was not defending polygamy, but objecting to references to Pakistan made by a BJP MLA.

Mumbai, India – A debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly concerning issues faced by Muslim women has ignited a political firestorm, with ruling NCP MLA Sana Malik drawing sharp criticism from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders. The controversy centers on Malik's comments regarding polygamy and her references to Pakistan during the discussion.

I am not even defending or supporting polygamy. I was informing the House about the ways of polygamy. However, BJP MLA Devayani Farande brought up the issue citing references to Pakistan, to which I objected.

— Sana MalikNCP MLA Sana Malik responding to criticism regarding her remarks on polygamy.

During a debate on atrocities against Muslim women due to the triple talaq practice, Malik appeared to suggest that India should consider implementing polygamy, citing its practice in Pakistan. However, she later asserted that her remarks were misinterpreted and that she was not advocating for polygamy. Malik claimed that a BJP MLA had first brought up Pakistan during the exchange, and she was merely objecting to that reference.

Why should we use a practice in Pakistan as a reference point to decide something here in India?

— Sana MalikNCP MLA Sana Malik questioning the use of Pakistan as a reference for Indian laws.

"I am not even defending or supporting polygamy," Malik told reporters. "I was informing the House about the ways of polygamy. However, BJP MLA Devayani Farande brought up the issue citing references to Pakistan, to which I objected." She argued that discussions on Indian laws and practices should not be based on examples from Pakistan, stating, "Why should we use a practice in Pakistan as a reference point to decide something here in India?"

My question was whether only Muslim men indulge in polygamy. Is it not true that other men also indulge in it?

— Sana MalikNCP MLA Sana Malik clarifying her stance on polygamy and its prevalence.

Malik further clarified that her intention was to highlight that polygamy is not exclusive to one community. "My question was whether only Muslim men indulge in polygamy. Is it not true that other men also indulge in it?" she asked, emphasizing that women's issues should not be viewed through a religious lens. She also reiterated her objection to what she described as praise for Pakistan during the Assembly debate, stating, "People are asking me to go to Pakistan, but the first person who named that country was a BJP MLA."

People are asking me to go to Pakistan, but the first person who named that country was a BJP MLA.

— Sana MalikNCP MLA Sana Malik addressing accusations of favoring Pakistan.
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Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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