news desk – Uniform Civil Code i.e. UCC is once again at the center of political discussion. BJP has been calling this a part of its core agenda for a long time. The party has now announced to move ahead with the strategy of implementing UCC in BJP ruled states by making a law at the state level.
At the same time, Congress has opposed the current form of UCC and its implementation without broad consent. Congress says reforms in individual laws may be necessary, but this should happen with the participation and consent of the communities concerned.
What is the official stand of Congress?
Congress says that at present a complete Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor practical. For this, the party cites the 2018 report of the 21st Law Commission.
According to the Congress, the Law Commission had at that time said that UCC was not necessary at this stage. The Commission had emphasized on removing discriminatory provisions and reforming the laws rather than making all personal laws uniform.
Congress argues that different religions, communities and tribal groups in the country have their own traditions and social systems. In such a situation, it is important to keep these variations in mind before implementing a uniform law.
Congress in favor of reforming personal laws
Congress had said in its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto 'Nyaya Patra' that the party will encourage reforms in personal laws. However, such reforms should be carried out with the participation and consent of the communities concerned.
According to the party, citizens should have freedom of religion, language, food, clothing and rights related to personal laws. Congress had also talked about removing laws that unduly interfere in personal freedom.
UCC was not directly supported in the Congress manifesto. It called for community-based reforms and broad consensus.
BJP accused of polarization
Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan alleged that the BJP is using the UCC issue to divert attention from important public issues and do politics of polarization.
Congress says that UCC should not be made a political weapon. According to the party, there should be a broad discussion and genuine consensus on the issue instead of keeping the country in constant politics of polarization.
Citing the spirit of Article 44 of the Constitution, the Congress says that dialogue between all parties is necessary before moving forward on a Uniform Civil Code.
Questions on UCC of Uttarakhand also
Congress has also raised questions regarding the UCC implemented in Uttarakhand. The party alleges that it was prepared without adequate discussion and widespread consensus and is part of the BJP's divisive agenda.
Congress says that within every religion there are many communities and tribes, which have their own social and traditional systems. Therefore, it will not be easy to prepare a similar code for everyone.
At present the differences between BJP and Congress regarding UCC are clear. The BJP links it to uniform law and social reforms, while the Congress opposes implementing the full UCC without broad consensus, while supporting reforms in personal laws.