Union Minister Supports Uniform Civil Code Amid Allegations Against Muslim Organizations
Minister's Remarks on Uniform Civil Code Implementation
Union Minister Giriraj Singh has expressed his backing for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), claiming that certain Muslim organizations are attempting to transform India into an Islamic state. Speaking to reporters in Begusarai, Bihar, on Saturday, Singh asserted that these groups aim to establish India as an Islamic nation, which he believes is unfeasible. He emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, the UCC will be enacted, promoting the idea of one nation, one law.
Context of the BJP's UCC Commitment
Singh's comments come in the wake of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) recent promise to implement the UCC in Assam. The party has included this commitment in its election manifesto, which was released on Wednesday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the BJP's core agenda by referencing the examples of Uttarakhand and Gujarat. He pledged to enforce the UCC and take action against the alleged 'love jihad'.
Clarifications on UCC Applicability
Sarma clarified that the UCC will not apply to areas covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution or to tribal communities. He stated, "We aspire to make Assam the brightest state. We do not want to be a dependent state; we wish to contribute to nation-building." The manifesto outlines 31 promises, including the implementation of the UCC, stringent measures against love jihad, and efforts to make Assam flood-free, with an investment of ₹18,000 crores in the first two years.
Upcoming Elections in Assam
Voting for all 126 assembly seats in Assam will take place in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. This election will see a contest between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the Congress party for control of the assembly. The BJP is contesting in alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF). The NDA aims to secure a third consecutive term, while Congress seeks to regain power by ousting the ruling party.