Gir Somnath

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday alleged that due to the "anti-women" Congress, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as well as other "progressive" laws could not be implemented in the country and women were denied equal rights.

Sarma, who was in Gujarat's Gir Somnath where he offered prayers at the Somnath temple, also described 'Gen Z' and 'Gen Alpha' as Western terms, adding that categorising different generations in this manner was not right.

He also urged every citizen to contribute towards making the country stronger irrespective of their age.

Talking to reporters, Sarma said, "Congress is an anti-woman party, because of which the Uniform Civil Code was not implemented in the country and women were denied equal rights."

"I feel that women should completely boycott the Congress. The failure to enact certain progressive laws in our country is due to the Congress," Sarma said.

When asked about the 'Gen Z' protests, he said Indians believe in the system of family values with a duty to work for the well-being of children.

"In our country, we do not have concepts like Gen Z or Gen Alpha. Here, we have sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are terms that originate from America and Europe, and we have no connection to that culture," he said.

"Our duty is to work for the welfare of our sons and daughters. However, categorising them into Gen Z or Gen Alpha is not right. We must live together like a family, work hard for the well-being of our children, and propel the nation forward," the Assam CM said.

He said that when the country faces challenges, everyone must confront them and carry the nation forward.

"Strengthening the country is our collective responsibility; whether one is young or elderly, everyone's duty is to contribute to the nation's strength," he added.

He also said he has prayed to the Almighty to keep everyone safe and at peace in view of the devastating floods in Nepal.

"We have recently dealt with floods in Assam, and floods have also struck Nepal. Floods cause immense suffering as people lose their lives, property and homes, resulting in massive devastation. I pray to the Almighty to keep everyone safe and at peace," he said.

On Somnath temple, Sarma said it is one of India's major pilgrimage sites, and visiting it was significant.

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"I had come here before the elections and sought blessings, after which we achieved victory in Assam. I have been informed about major development plans for Somnath, including expanding the land area, to further enhance this sacred site. I believe that under the Prime Minister's leadership, Somnath will emerge as a pilgrimage destination of global stature, not just within India," he said.