NCP distances itself from Maharashtra MLA Sana Malik's remarks on polygamy

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare. Pic/X

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday distanced itself from remarks made by its MLA Sana Malik in the Maharashtra Assembly on polygamy and triple talaq, clarifying that her statements reflected her personal views and not the party's official position.

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare issued a statement on social media asserting that the party remains committed to protecting women's rights irrespective of caste, religion or faith and fully respects the legal position on triple talaq.

The clarification came after Malik's comments during an Assembly debate earlier this week drew criticism from political leaders and triggered a wider debate over Muslim Personal Law and women's rights.

Malik's remarks sparked controversy

The controversy began during a discussion in the Maharashtra Assembly on issues faced by Muslim women in the context of the practice of triple talaq.

During the debate, BJP MLA Devayani Farande said that polygamy is practised by only a small percentage of men in Pakistan and that a man is required to obtain official permission before entering into a second marriage.

Responding to the remarks, Malik said, "If anything is mentioned in the Quran and if it is implemented in Pakistan, then we demand that this shall be brought here too."

Her statement drew sharp criticism from several political leaders and women's rights advocates.

On Thursday, Malik clarified that she was not supporting polygamy but was merely referring to the legal framework governing the practice in Pakistan.

NCP says remarks were personal

Seeking to distance the party from the controversy, Sunil Tatkare said Malik's comments did not represent the NCP's official stand.

"The statement made by MLA Sana Malik on the issue of talaq is her personal opinion. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) does not endorse those views," Tatkare said in a post on X.

He reiterated that the party has consistently supported the protection of women's rights regardless of religion or community.

Reaffirms support for women's rights

Tatkare said the NCP believes that no woman should face arbitrary or unilateral dissolution of marriage.

"The party's position is that no woman should face the constant threat of a one-sided and unjust dissolution of marriage," he said.

He added that the party remains committed to the values enshrined in the Constitution and follows the ideology of "Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar."

Tatkare also underlined that the Supreme Court's judgment on triple talaq and the legislation enacted by Parliament on the issue are binding and must be respected.

Supports constitutional right to express views

While disagreeing with Malik's remarks, Tatkare said she was entitled to express her personal views as an elected representative.

He clarified that the statements she made during the Assembly debate were in her individual capacity and should not be interpreted as the party's official position.

The clarification is aimed at distancing the NCP from the controversy while reiterating its commitment to constitutional values, women's rights and the legal framework governing triple talaq in India.

(With inputs from PTI)