Uniform Civil Code: Going against the party, Himachal Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh supports UCC
3 min read 02 Jul 2023, 09:58 AM ISTHimachal Pradesh Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh has supported the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, going against his own party. Several Congress leaders have criticised the move as ‘propaganda’ ahead of elections.
PremiumGoing against his own party, Himachal Pradesh Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh has backed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Several Congress leaders have questioned the BJP-led government over the move calling it "propaganda" ahead of the state Assembly election and 2024 General election.
On the other hand, Vikramaditya, son of late Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh said, "Congress party has always represented all segments of the fabric of India...As far as uniform civil code is concerned. We have said in this that we believe in the uniformity of diversity...So before bringing any law, no one should feel that this law is against them...There has to be a strong consensus building amongst all the parties concerned...But they (BJP) have to take everybody on board...".
"I said that whatever final line will be given by our party chief, we stand with that. As far as the unity and integrity is concerned, we stand with the national sentiments of the people of India," he added.
He said no section of people should feel that the law is against them and the voices of minorities and people who think that they might get affected by any such law should also be heard.
"Congress represents all regions, all castes, and all segments of the fabric of India. The Constitution of India is also the constitution of the Congress party that has always tried to strengthen all areas of the country right from Independence to till date," he said.
Singh's statement on the Uniform Civil Code was welcomed by former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and BJP leader Jairam Thakur.
"When talks are held about UCC, the inner voices of a lot of people from different political parties and ideologies tell them that if this decision will be taken, it will be in the interest of the nation and society. We have always demanded that the law should be the same for all...If Vikramaditya Singh has said this, it means that he listened to his conscience and expressed it," the BJP leader said.
However, Singh slammed the BJP and said "Every time before the election they bring such topics to divert from the main issues".
He said Congress has always stated that "whenever UCC comes we will support it but we must concentrate on main issues".
He also lashed out at the BJP over the current situation in Manipur. "Manipur has been burning for over a month and is on the verge of a civil war. But no action has been taken against the chief minister ...BJP doesn't speak of the real burning issues in the country and starts a new debate to mislead people."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for a UCC while addressing a gathering of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Bhopal last week.
The 22nd Law Commission of India Wednesday (June 14) sought the views of religious organisations and the public on the issue of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The Commission is chaired by former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi. Retired High Court judge Justice K T Sankaran, Professor Anand Paliwal, Professor D P Verma, Professor Raka Arya, and M Karunanithi are its members.
A notice issued by the Commission said those interested and willing may present their views within 30 days.
Yesterday, Congress reiterated that Uniform Civil Code is undesirable at this and noted that it will comment further if a draft bill or a report on the issue comes up.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC):
Uniform Civil Code is a proposal in India that is aimed at replacing personal laws based on religions, customs, and traditions with one common law for everyone irrespective of religion, cast, creed, sexual orientation, and gender.
