News Analysis India

Tag: Uniform Civil Code

  • Can implement UCC in BJP-ruled states, won’t happen in Bengal: TMC MP Saugata Roy

    On the day when the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill was tabled in the Uttarakhand State Assembly, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can do so in states ruled by their party but it will not be possible in West Bengal.

    “They can implement UCC in BJP-ruled states but it will not happen in West Bengal,” Roy said speaking to reporters at the Parliament premises on Tuesday.

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tabled the Uniform Civil Code 2024 Bill in the State Assembly in Dehradun on Tuesday. The ongoing special four-day session of the assembly began on Monday.Speaking on the ongoing raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi, Roy said that it is an “old game” of the ruling government and it is their “main arm”.

    “That is an old game. ED is the main arm of the government. So they will continue to do so, so far they have not been able to prove any case,” the TMC MP said.

    The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at nearly 10 locations, including the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary, among others connected to the Aam Aadmi Party.According to sources the raids are part of a money laundering probe being conducted by the agency. ED raid is also reportedly underway at the residence of AAP MP ND Gupta in Delhi.Speaking on the One Nation, One Election proposal sent by former President Ramnath Kovind, Roy said, “No. We have said that we are not (supporting One Nation One Election).”

    West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was scheduled to attend a meeting on One Nation One Election on Tuesday, cancelled her trip citing the state budget.

    Earlier this month, Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP’s proposal of ‘One nation, One election’, asserting that it would pave the way for “dictatorship and erode India’s diversity.”

    “Are you moving towards a presidential form of government? To put it clearly, it would mean that there is one king, one man, one ruler, one nation, one language, one food, and everything is the same,” CM Banerjee said.

    (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

  • Uniform Civil Code Bill In Uttarakhand Assembly Today: Check Key Features |

    In a major development, the Uttarakhand Assembly bill will take up the Uniform Civil Code Bill for discussion and passing today. The UCC draft was approved by the Uttarakhand Cabinet led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday. The common civil code bill proposes uniform civil laws for all communities in the state. The assembly proceeding will begin at 11 am today. The UCC will provide a legal framework for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.

    A committee appointed by the Uttarakhand government, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, has compiled a comprehensive four-volume report spanning 749 pages, offering a multitude of recommendations. The committee actively sought public input through 2.33 lakh written submissions online and conducted over 70 public forums. Through these forums, the panel members actively interacted with approximately 60,000 individuals, incorporating their perspectives and insights into the drafting process.

    Key Features Of The UCC

    Equal Property Rights

    The Uniform Civil Code proposes to provide equal rights in property for both sons and daughters. The property right will stand even if the girl marries in any other religion. A 2005 amendment in the Hindu Succession Act 1956 already provides for married daughters to have an equal share as a son in their father’s property. 

    Legitimate And Illegitimate Children

    The Uttarakhand UCC bill also aims to abolish the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children concerning property rights. The bill specifies that all children would be recognised as the biological offspring of the parents and would have equal rights. Also, the bill gives equal footing and rights to children who are adopted, born through surrogacy, or born through assisted reproductive technology. The adoption process will be the same for all religions under the law.

    Property Rights After Death

    In the aftermath of an individual’s passing, the legislation ensures equitable property rights for both the spouse and children. Notably, this inclusive provision also extends such rights to the deceased person’s parents. This represents a significant departure from prior legal frameworks, where exclusive property rights were granted solely to the mother in the event of the individual’s demise.

    Equal Divorce Rights, Maintenance

    The UCC bill also provides for an equal divorce process and rights to men and women of every religion in the state. The Muslim Women Act, 2019 brought by the Narendra Modi government has already made instant triple talaq illegal. The maintenance law after divorce will be the same for all religions. 

    Ban On Polygamy, Child Marriage

    The bill also makes marriage registration mandatory for all religions. It also bans polygamy and child marriage, a common marriageable age for girls across all faiths. The bill also makes it mandatory to declare live-in relationships.

    Ban On Halala And Iddat

    The UCC bill seeks to ban Islamic practices such as halala and iddat which are considered unfair for women. Halala and iddat are Islamic practices a woman must go through after a divorce or the death of her husband.

  • Uniform civil code a difficult issue: Amartya Sen 

    By PTI

    SANTINIKETAN: Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen on Wednesday claimed that the Uniform Civil Code is a “difficult” issue and efforts are on to make it easy.

    The 90-year-old economist also said the UCC surely has a link with the concept of Hindu Rashtra.

    “The Uniform Civil Code” is a difficult issue. Now attempts are on to make it easy. There are differences among us. There are differences of religions, there are differences in rules and customs. We need to remove those differences and be united.

    “I read in the newspaper that there should not be any more delay in implementing the Uniform Civil Code. No idea from where such a nonsense concept has come,” Sen told reporters at his home here.

    To a question if the UCC has links with the idea of Hindu Rashtra, he said it “surely” has.

    “But Hindu Rashtra is not the only way for progress– Hinduism is being misused,” said the Bharat Ratna awardee.

    The UCC refers to a common set of laws on marriage, divorce and inheritance that would be applicable to all Indian citizens irrespective of religion, tribe or other local customs.

    The Law Commission had on June 14 initiated a fresh consultation process on UCC by seeking views from stakeholders, including public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.

    SANTINIKETAN: Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen on Wednesday claimed that the Uniform Civil Code is a “difficult” issue and efforts are on to make it easy.

    The 90-year-old economist also said the UCC surely has a link with the concept of Hindu Rashtra.

    “The Uniform Civil Code” is a difficult issue. Now attempts are on to make it easy. There are differences among us. There are differences of religions, there are differences in rules and customs. We need to remove those differences and be united.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “I read in the newspaper that there should not be any more delay in implementing the Uniform Civil Code. No idea from where such a nonsense concept has come,” Sen told reporters at his home here.

    To a question if the UCC has links with the idea of Hindu Rashtra, he said it “surely” has.

    “But Hindu Rashtra is not the only way for progress– Hinduism is being misused,” said the Bharat Ratna awardee.

    The UCC refers to a common set of laws on marriage, divorce and inheritance that would be applicable to all Indian citizens irrespective of religion, tribe or other local customs.

    The Law Commission had on June 14 initiated a fresh consultation process on UCC by seeking views from stakeholders, including public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.

  • Uttarakhand BJP expresses anger over same-sex marriage proposals received by Uniform Civil Code

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: The Sadhu Samaj, including senior state BJP leaders, has strongly objected to the possibility of implementing ‘same-sex marriages’ in the final draft of the Uniform Civil Code.

    The party leaders, while expressing their concern before the committee, have asked the state government to refrain from implementing any such decision containing psychosis.

    “90 per cent of the work on the Uniform Civil Code Act has been completed,” said CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, who arrived at the Haridwar meeting.

    “On June 30, the committee will submit its report to the government. Our government is committed to curbing demographic changes and bringing a uniform law for all citizens of Uttarakhand,” assured CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.

    ‘Same-sex marriages’, conversion, demographic change, land and love jihad were discussed on the first day of the meeting of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s central guiding board at Nishkam Seva Ashram in Kankhal on Thursday.

    Swami Ravindrapuri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, told The New Indian Express, “When the issue of same-sex marriages and this debate erupted in the Supreme Court, we strongly opposed it along with vice-chancellors and representatives of Gurukul Kangri University and Sanskrit University.”

    “No civilised society would like the practice of same-sex marriage. If this tradition comes into vogue, one person will also refrain from sitting with another person. This is a sheer refutation of the Sanatan tradition,” Swami Ravindrapuri said.

    Swami Ravindrapuri also pointed out, “The government’s initiative on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is commendable, but the government has to take special care that it does not break the social and cultural fabric.”

    Same-sex marriages are against the basic spirit of our centuries-old rich culture, the system born out of such a perverse mindset has no place in Sanatan culture”, the saints said, strongly condemning such proposals, adding, “The obscenity being served in web series and social media should also be stopped immediately.”

    DEHRADUN: The Sadhu Samaj, including senior state BJP leaders, has strongly objected to the possibility of implementing ‘same-sex marriages’ in the final draft of the Uniform Civil Code.

    The party leaders, while expressing their concern before the committee, have asked the state government to refrain from implementing any such decision containing psychosis.

    “90 per cent of the work on the Uniform Civil Code Act has been completed,” said CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, who arrived at the Haridwar meeting.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “On June 30, the committee will submit its report to the government. Our government is committed to curbing demographic changes and bringing a uniform law for all citizens of Uttarakhand,” assured CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.

    ‘Same-sex marriages’, conversion, demographic change, land and love jihad were discussed on the first day of the meeting of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s central guiding board at Nishkam Seva Ashram in Kankhal on Thursday.

    Swami Ravindrapuri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, told The New Indian Express, “When the issue of same-sex marriages and this debate erupted in the Supreme Court, we strongly opposed it along with vice-chancellors and representatives of Gurukul Kangri University and Sanskrit University.”

    “No civilised society would like the practice of same-sex marriage. If this tradition comes into vogue, one person will also refrain from sitting with another person. This is a sheer refutation of the Sanatan tradition,” Swami Ravindrapuri said.

    Swami Ravindrapuri also pointed out, “The government’s initiative on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is commendable, but the government has to take special care that it does not break the social and cultural fabric.”

    Same-sex marriages are against the basic spirit of our centuries-old rich culture, the system born out of such a perverse mindset has no place in Sanatan culture”, the saints said, strongly condemning such proposals, adding, “The obscenity being served in web series and social media should also be stopped immediately.”

  • Uttarakhand govt to extend tenure of panel on Uniform Civil Code

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government would extend the tenure of an expert committee formed to look into the launch of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. 

    The term of the panel ends on May 27.

    The demand for an extension has arisen since the committee needs more time to finalize the draft, a senior member of the committee Shatrughan Singh said.

    The panel has to create a code on marriage, divorce, property rights, succession, inheritance, adoption, maintenance, civil rights, and many other issues, he told The New Indian Express.

    The panel has so far received 1.25 lakh suggestions. After collecting more than 1.25 lakh suggestions, the committee has started reviewing and studying them.

    According to the panel member, 75 per cent of the work of drafting the UCC has concluded.

    “After studying the suggestions received, the panel will forward it to the government in the form of a draft. The government will send it to the law department for examination after its consent”, said Shatrughan Singh.

    DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government would extend the tenure of an expert committee formed to look into the launch of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. 

    The term of the panel ends on May 27.

    The demand for an extension has arisen since the committee needs more time to finalize the draft, a senior member of the committee Shatrughan Singh said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The panel has to create a code on marriage, divorce, property rights, succession, inheritance, adoption, maintenance, civil rights, and many other issues, he told The New Indian Express.

    The panel has so far received 1.25 lakh suggestions. After collecting more than 1.25 lakh suggestions, the committee has started reviewing and studying them.

    According to the panel member, 75 per cent of the work of drafting the UCC has concluded.

    “After studying the suggestions received, the panel will forward it to the government in the form of a draft. The government will send it to the law department for examination after its consent”, said Shatrughan Singh.

  • Private member’s bill on Uniform Civil Code introduced in Rajya Sabha

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A controversial private member’s Bill that seeks to provide for a panel to prepare a Uniform Civil Code was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

    ‘The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020’ was introduced in the Upper House amid protests from opposition parties.

    BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved for leave to introduce the Bill to provide for the constitution of the national inspection and investigation committee for preparation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India and for matters connected therewith during the private member’s business.

    However, Opposition members from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress protested against the introduction of the Bill saying it will “destroy” the social fabric and unity in diversity that is prevalent in the country.

    With the Opposition members seeking withdrawal of the Bill, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for division and the motion for introduction of the Bill was passed with 63 votes in favour and 23 against it.

    In the past, although the Bill was listed for introduction, it was not moved in the Upper House. The Bill envisages a collection of laws to protect the personal rights of all citizens without considering religion.

    NEW DELHI: A controversial private member’s Bill that seeks to provide for a panel to prepare a Uniform Civil Code was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

    ‘The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020’ was introduced in the Upper House amid protests from opposition parties.

    BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved for leave to introduce the Bill to provide for the constitution of the national inspection and investigation committee for preparation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India and for matters connected therewith during the private member’s business.

    However, Opposition members from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress protested against the introduction of the Bill saying it will “destroy” the social fabric and unity in diversity that is prevalent in the country.

    With the Opposition members seeking withdrawal of the Bill, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for division and the motion for introduction of the Bill was passed with 63 votes in favour and 23 against it.

    In the past, although the Bill was listed for introduction, it was not moved in the Upper House. The Bill envisages a collection of laws to protect the personal rights of all citizens without considering religion.

  • Gujarat polls: BJP manifesto vows to launch anti-radicalisation cell, uniform civic code 

    Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD: BJP’s manifesto for Gujarat promises among other initiatives, an anti-radicalisation cell.

    “We will create an anti-radicalisation cell to identify and eliminate potential threats, and sleeper cells of terrorist organizations and anti-India forces.” said BJP national president JP Nadda after releasing the party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ or manifesto at “Shri Kamlam” office in Gandhinagar for the upcoming Gujarat assembly polls. 

    The manifesto also promises uniform civil code. “We will ensure the complete implementation of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Committee’s recommendation, Nadda asserted.

    Further, Nadda, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra and state BJP chief, announced that the party will introduce the Recovery of Damages of Public and Private Properties Act. 

    “We will enact the Gujarat Recovery of Damages of Public and Private Properties Act to recover damages done to public and private properties by anti-social elements during riots, violent protests, unrest, etc.” Nadda said.

    In line with BJP’s goal to achieve, a five trillion economy target, the party promised to make Gujarat a one trillion economy. 

    “We will make Gujarat a $1 trillion economy by maintaining its pole position in manufacturing, focusing on services, and investing in human and institutional capacity-building for new-age industries. We will attract ₹5 lakh crore foreign investment and make Gujarat the Defence and Aviation Manufacturing Hub of India,” Nadda affirmed.

    To attract first-time voters and youth, BJP Promised 20 lakh employment, “We will provide 20 lakh employment opportunities to the youth of Gujarat in the next 5 years.”

    Keeping in mind the 27 tribal seats, the party promised various welfare schemes for the tribal population. For instance, it promised to initiate mobile delivery of ration across all 56 Tribal Sub Plan Talukas and to spend ₹1 lakh crore under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana 2.0 for the overall socio-economic development of tribals.

    The party further promised construction of a Birsa Munda Adi Jati Samriddhi Corridor between Ambaji and Umergram to spur growth by connecting every tribal district’s headquarters with a 4-6 lane state highway, and by constructing a tribal cultural circuit to connect Pal Dadhvaav and the Statue of Unity to Shabari Dham.

    Talking about health and Job facilities in tribal areas BJP Promised to ensure state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in tribal areas by setting up 8 medical colleges, and 10 nursing/para-medical colleges.  And to set up 8 GIDCs in the tribal belt to generate employment opportunities for tribal youth.

    For education in tribal areas BJP promised to set up 25 Birsa Munda Gyan Shakti Residential Schools to provide the best residential schooling facilities to 75,000 meritorious students from the tribal community.

    AHMEDABAD: BJP’s manifesto for Gujarat promises among other initiatives, an anti-radicalisation cell.

    “We will create an anti-radicalisation cell to identify and eliminate potential threats, and sleeper cells of terrorist organizations and anti-India forces.” said BJP national president JP Nadda after releasing the party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ or manifesto at “Shri Kamlam” office in Gandhinagar for the upcoming Gujarat assembly polls. 

    The manifesto also promises uniform civil code. “We will ensure the complete implementation of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Committee’s recommendation, Nadda asserted.

    Further, Nadda, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra and state BJP chief, announced that the party will introduce the Recovery of Damages of Public and Private Properties Act. 

    “We will enact the Gujarat Recovery of Damages of Public and Private Properties Act to recover damages done to public and private properties by anti-social elements during riots, violent protests, unrest, etc.” Nadda said.

    In line with BJP’s goal to achieve, a five trillion economy target, the party promised to make Gujarat a one trillion economy. 

    “We will make Gujarat a $1 trillion economy by maintaining its pole position in manufacturing, focusing on services, and investing in human and institutional capacity-building for new-age industries. We will attract ₹5 lakh crore foreign investment and make Gujarat the Defence and Aviation Manufacturing Hub of India,” Nadda affirmed.

    To attract first-time voters and youth, BJP Promised 20 lakh employment, “We will provide 20 lakh employment opportunities to the youth of Gujarat in the next 5 years.”

    Keeping in mind the 27 tribal seats, the party promised various welfare schemes for the tribal population. For instance, it promised to initiate mobile delivery of ration across all 56 Tribal Sub Plan Talukas and to spend ₹1 lakh crore under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana 2.0 for the overall socio-economic development of tribals.

    The party further promised construction of a Birsa Munda Adi Jati Samriddhi Corridor between Ambaji and Umergram to spur growth by connecting every tribal district’s headquarters with a 4-6 lane state highway, and by constructing a tribal cultural circuit to connect Pal Dadhvaav and the Statue of Unity to Shabari Dham.

    Talking about health and Job facilities in tribal areas BJP Promised to ensure state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in tribal areas by setting up 8 medical colleges, and 10 nursing/para-medical colleges.  And to set up 8 GIDCs in the tribal belt to generate employment opportunities for tribal youth.

    For education in tribal areas BJP promised to set up 25 Birsa Munda Gyan Shakti Residential Schools to provide the best residential schooling facilities to 75,000 meritorious students from the tribal community.

  • New Law Commission likely to take up UCC

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Union government has constituted the 22nd Law Commission after nearly three years amid a push from some BJP-ruled states on implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) ahead of Assembly polls.

    The government on Monday announced the appointment of former high court chief justice Rituraj Awasthi as the chairperson. Awasthi headed the bench of the Karnataka High Court which pronounced the verdict that hijab is not essential to Islam. 

    The members of the commission are Justice KT Sankaran, Prof Anand Paliwal, Prof DP Verma, Prof Raka Arya and M. Karunanithi. In 2009, Justice Sankaran of Kerala High Court had propounded the theory of “love jihad” in the country for the first time.

    The setting up of the panel assumes significance as Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told Parliament in February that the Commission will examine issues related to UCC. However, experts say that as the Commission’s term ends in three months, it will be pressed for time to deal with the issue. The tenure of a law commission is three years and the panel was notified in February 2020.

    The Law Commission has been inactive since the term of the 21st Commission, headed by retired judge B S Chauhan, ended on August 31, 2018. It had prepared a report titled ‘Reform of family law’ on UCC after consultation with various stakeholders, which suggested that UCC is neither necessary nor tenable at this stage.

    Chauhan says three months is a short time for any commission to look into framing a common law, and the government may consider reappointing the panel after its term is over. “Our panel took two-and-a-half years to prepare a working paper on UCC. It needs wide consultation as it deals with personal laws of various religious communities,” he said. 

    NEW DELHI: The Union government has constituted the 22nd Law Commission after nearly three years amid a push from some BJP-ruled states on implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) ahead of Assembly polls.

    The government on Monday announced the appointment of former high court chief justice Rituraj Awasthi as the chairperson. Awasthi headed the bench of the Karnataka High Court which pronounced the verdict that hijab is not essential to Islam. 

    The members of the commission are Justice KT Sankaran, Prof Anand Paliwal, Prof DP Verma, Prof Raka Arya and M. Karunanithi. In 2009, Justice Sankaran of Kerala High Court had propounded the theory of “love jihad” in the country for the first time.

    The setting up of the panel assumes significance as Law Minister Kiren Rijiju told Parliament in February that the Commission will examine issues related to UCC. However, experts say that as the Commission’s term ends in three months, it will be pressed for time to deal with the issue. The tenure of a law commission is three years and the panel was notified in February 2020.

    The Law Commission has been inactive since the term of the 21st Commission, headed by retired judge B S Chauhan, ended on August 31, 2018. It had prepared a report titled ‘Reform of family law’ on UCC after consultation with various stakeholders, which suggested that UCC is neither necessary nor tenable at this stage.

    Chauhan says three months is a short time for any commission to look into framing a common law, and the government may consider reappointing the panel after its term is over. “Our panel took two-and-a-half years to prepare a working paper on UCC. It needs wide consultation as it deals with personal laws of various religious communities,” he said. 

  • Himachal Pradesh polls: Nadda announces Uniform civil code, quota for women in govt jobs 

    By PTI

    SHIMLA: BJP president JP Nadda on Sunday promised Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs in Himachal Pradesh while releasing the party’s manifesto for the state Assembly polls.

    With less than a week left for assembly polls in his home state, Nadda announced various soaps, including 8 lakh jobs, scooters for girls pursuing higher education and five new medical colleges.

    Releasing the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’, Nadda promised implementation of UCC in Himachal Pradesh if the party is voted to power and said a committee will be formed for it.

    At the same time, he said the BJP government will also conduct survey of Waqf properties in the state to check their illegal use.

    Focussing on women voters, Nadda released the party’s separate manifesto for them announcing 33 per cent reservation in government jobs. He also announced cycles for girl students in classes 6 to 12.

    Replying to a question, Nadda criticised the Congress manifesto — released on Saturday — saying it lacks both vision and weight.

    The BJP had formed a committee to take suggestions from the general public to draft the manifesto. The BJP is eyeing to change the trend of alternate governments in Himachal Pradesh. Elections for the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly will be held on November 12.

    SHIMLA: BJP president JP Nadda on Sunday promised Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs in Himachal Pradesh while releasing the party’s manifesto for the state Assembly polls.

    With less than a week left for assembly polls in his home state, Nadda announced various soaps, including 8 lakh jobs, scooters for girls pursuing higher education and five new medical colleges.

    Releasing the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’, Nadda promised implementation of UCC in Himachal Pradesh if the party is voted to power and said a committee will be formed for it.

    At the same time, he said the BJP government will also conduct survey of Waqf properties in the state to check their illegal use.

    Focussing on women voters, Nadda released the party’s separate manifesto for them announcing 33 per cent reservation in government jobs. He also announced cycles for girl students in classes 6 to 12.

    Replying to a question, Nadda criticised the Congress manifesto — released on Saturday — saying it lacks both vision and weight.

    The BJP had formed a committee to take suggestions from the general public to draft the manifesto. The BJP is eyeing to change the trend of alternate governments in Himachal Pradesh. Elections for the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly will be held on November 12.

  • Ahead of Gujarat polls, Kejriwal questions BJP’s resolve to implement Uniform Civil Code

    By PTI

    BHAVNAGAR: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday questioned the intention of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in poll-bound Gujarat behind its move to constitute a committee to implement the Uniform Civil Code and said if the BJP wants to do so, it should do it across the country.

    Kejriwal asked whether the BJP-led central government was waiting for the Lok Sabha elections to make a move in this direction.

    The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) national convener was addressing a press conference in Bhavnagar on the third day of his visit to Gujarat where the Assembly polls are due this year-end.

    The Election Commission is likely to announce schedule for the Gujarat Assembly polls this week.

    The Gujarat government on Saturday said it has decided to form a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

    Union minister Parshottam Rupala had said the committee will be formed before the model code of conduct for elections comes into force.

    Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi had said the decision was taken as per the provisions of Article 44 of Part 4 of the Constitution which expects the state government to apply common law for all citizens.

    To a question on the Gujarat government’s decision, Kejriwal claimed “their intention is bad”.

    “In Article 44 of the Constitution, it is clearly written that it is the responsibility of the government to frame the Uniform Civil Code. So, the government should frame a Uniform Civil Code with the consent of all communities and by taking them together,” he said.

    Kejriwal said the BJP had formed a similar committee before the Uttarakhand election.

    “After winning the election, the committee went back home. Now, a few days before the Gujarat election, they have formed another committee. This committee (members) will also go back home after the election,” he claimed.

    Kejriwal also sought to know why no such committee was formed in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

    ALSO READ: Experts warn against rush for ‘complex’ Uniform Civil Code

    “If their intention is to implement the Uniform Civil Code, then why don’t they frame it nationally and implement it across the country? Are they waiting for the Lok Sabha elections?” he asked.

    “So first ask them that Kejriwal is saying you do not want to implement the Uniform Civil Code, your intention is bad,” he said.

    On the third day of his visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Kejriwal welcomed local Koli community leader and social worker Raju Solanki into the AAP, who joined the party along with his son Brijrajsinh Solanki.

    Kejriwal claimed ever since the AAP has started working in Gujarat, people see a new ray of hope in his party.

    The Koli community comes under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category with numerically significant presence in different parts of Gujarat.

    Kejriwal described Raju Solanki as a prominent social worker who had helped in the marriage of more than 1,000 orphaned women and worked in the areas of prohibition and education.

    The social worker said he was glad to be a part of the new politics of Kejriwal.

    BHAVNAGAR: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday questioned the intention of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in poll-bound Gujarat behind its move to constitute a committee to implement the Uniform Civil Code and said if the BJP wants to do so, it should do it across the country.

    Kejriwal asked whether the BJP-led central government was waiting for the Lok Sabha elections to make a move in this direction.

    The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) national convener was addressing a press conference in Bhavnagar on the third day of his visit to Gujarat where the Assembly polls are due this year-end.

    The Election Commission is likely to announce schedule for the Gujarat Assembly polls this week.

    The Gujarat government on Saturday said it has decided to form a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

    Union minister Parshottam Rupala had said the committee will be formed before the model code of conduct for elections comes into force.

    Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi had said the decision was taken as per the provisions of Article 44 of Part 4 of the Constitution which expects the state government to apply common law for all citizens.

    To a question on the Gujarat government’s decision, Kejriwal claimed “their intention is bad”.

    “In Article 44 of the Constitution, it is clearly written that it is the responsibility of the government to frame the Uniform Civil Code. So, the government should frame a Uniform Civil Code with the consent of all communities and by taking them together,” he said.

    Kejriwal said the BJP had formed a similar committee before the Uttarakhand election.

    “After winning the election, the committee went back home. Now, a few days before the Gujarat election, they have formed another committee. This committee (members) will also go back home after the election,” he claimed.

    Kejriwal also sought to know why no such committee was formed in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

    ALSO READ: Experts warn against rush for ‘complex’ Uniform Civil Code

    “If their intention is to implement the Uniform Civil Code, then why don’t they frame it nationally and implement it across the country? Are they waiting for the Lok Sabha elections?” he asked.

    “So first ask them that Kejriwal is saying you do not want to implement the Uniform Civil Code, your intention is bad,” he said.

    On the third day of his visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Kejriwal welcomed local Koli community leader and social worker Raju Solanki into the AAP, who joined the party along with his son Brijrajsinh Solanki.

    Kejriwal claimed ever since the AAP has started working in Gujarat, people see a new ray of hope in his party.

    The Koli community comes under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category with numerically significant presence in different parts of Gujarat.

    Kejriwal described Raju Solanki as a prominent social worker who had helped in the marriage of more than 1,000 orphaned women and worked in the areas of prohibition and education.

    The social worker said he was glad to be a part of the new politics of Kejriwal.