The master stroke of the Pushkar Singh Dhami government of Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand has once again become a cause of concern for the Congress. The BJP was in a position of advantage by tossing it as an election promise just before the assembly elections.
Now, by opposing the government’s move towards its implementation ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the main opposition party is apprehensive of polarizing the Hindu vote bank. The Congress may go ahead with the strategy of intensifying caste polarization within the Hindu society rather than on religious grounds to cut the Uniform Civil Code.
Congress is unable to be aggressive on this issue even if it wants to:
The Dhami government’s bet on Uniform Civil Code amid Uttarakhand’s geographical and social conditions and rapid demographic changes has made the Congress uncomfortable in last year’s assembly elections. Its important role is assessed in the return of the Dhami-2.0 government.
Now the exercise of implementing the Uniform Civil Code before the Lok Sabha elections in the year 2024 has alerted the Congress. Grabbing any small to big issue, the Congress is not letting go of the opportunity to attack the Dhami government and the ruling party, even if it wants to be aggressive on this issue. The five Lok Sabha seats cover all the 70 assembly constituencies of the state.
The effect of rapid change in demographics is now being seen on electoral politics as well. The Muslim vote bank is strong in 15 to 20 assembly seats in the state, but most of the seats are still Hindu dominated. Keeping in mind the geo-political conditions of the state, the party seems to be taking utmost care. Taking lessons from the last two consecutive assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the Congress does not want to give such an opportunity to the BJP to mobilize the Hindu vote bank. All the big leaders of the party are speaking carefully in this matter.
The Congress is not openly opposing the Uniform Civil Code, but is also attacking the government for taking everyone along and respecting all religions. At the same time, before implementing the new system, the party is now engaged in siege of the government by taking all religions into faith and keeping the tribes, tribals, women and Scheduled Castes at the center among the followers of Hindu religion. Efforts are being made to stop the polarization of Hindu vote bank in favor of BJP by any means.
‘Implementation of Uniform Civil Code is not the real question. The question is how, when and on what principles to implement it. Apart from Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the intention behind keeping the Uniform Civil Code of Nehru, Lohia in the policy directive elements was that implementing them would be a goal for the country. Instead of starting a new tussle in this matter, it would be better if the Modi government accepts the recommendations of its own previous Law Commission and initiates rational and constitutional changes in the family laws of all communities.
– Yashpal Arya, Leader of Opposition, Uttarakhand
Consensus should be made in the Common Civil Code regarding their respective laws applicable in tribal, tribal, matriarchal societies in different states. Certain social groups within a state whose practices are legally binding. Different temples and religious places should also be asked that they will make equal laws for the entry of women and scheduled castes. Common Civil Code is a clever slogan.
– Harish Rawat, former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Uttarakhand
All religions should be taken care of before making any law in public interest. Today, efforts are being made to forcibly impose laws on the public. This used to happen in the monarchy. The aim of the government and the ruling party is to polarize the public to divert attention from the problems.
– Karan Mahra, President Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee
