Gandhinagar, Feb 4 (PTI) – The opposition in Gujarat has strongly criticized the state government’s move to establish a committee to evaluate the potential implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), calling it a political diversion ahead of local elections. The five-member panel, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, has been tasked with reviewing the necessity of the UCC in Gujarat and drafting a corresponding bill. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the formation of the committee earlier today.
Amit Chavda, Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the issue to stir communal divides. "The BJP is more focused on playing the politics of majority versus minority," Chavda said. He further pointed out that Gujarat’s tribal communities, who make up 14% of the state’s population, would be particularly affected by the UCC. According to Chavda, the code could disrupt the tribal culture, customs, religious practices, and marriage systems. He also noted that the Jain community and the Devipujaks would face similar challenges if the law were enforced.
Chavda emphasized that the Indian Constitution guarantees certain freedoms to communities to uphold their customs and cultures. He also argued that the implementation of the UCC falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, not state authorities. "This is a political move to distract the public from the BJP's failures as the local elections approach," Chavda claimed.
Isudan Gadhvi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Gujarat, also weighed in, asserting that the BJP raises the UCC issue only during election seasons. Gadhvi expressed concern that the law would disrupt practices in various communities, particularly within the Maldhari and tribal societies, where issues like polygamy are currently handled by community leaders. He warned that the UCC could lead to the erosion of these traditional practices, which might have negative effects on communities such as Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims.
Gadhvi also predicted that the BJP would lose tribal seats in Gujarat if the UCC were enacted, calling for a broader, more inclusive approach to governance rather than one driven by religious and vote-bank politics. "The BJP has failed to address inflation and unemployment, and it does not create jobs. Instead of focusing on real issues, it raises the UCC as a distraction," Gadhvi said.
Danish Siddique, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), further criticized the move, suggesting that the UCC was primarily being used as a tool to target the Muslim community. "The committee may not address our concerns without bias," Siddique warned. He stressed that if tribal communities were excluded from the law’s purview, the code would no longer be considered "uniform." He also pointed out that polygamy exists in several communities beyond Muslims, suggesting that targeting one group for this practice was unjust.
On the other hand, members of the newly formed committee defended the UCC. Social worker Gita Shroff, one of the panel members, voiced her belief that a uniform law would have significant benefits, especially for women and children. "For the past 30 years, I have witnessed the struggles of women and children in their fight for justice. A UCC will help resolve these issues," Shroff said.
Dakshesh Thakar, former vice chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University and another committee member, supported the implementation of the UCC, particularly for women, who are often affected by personal laws. He cited the Supreme Court's Shah Bano judgment, which called for the removal of contradictions in personal laws. "Even the Constituent Assembly laid down guiding principles for state policy that support a uniform code," Thakar said, adding that Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC could serve as a model for Gujarat.
Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, also backed the UCC, claiming it would protect the rights of tribal communities. "The UCC implemented by Uttarakhand has set a precedent that ensures the protection of tribal customs and traditions," Sanghavi noted. He further cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance in Jharkhand that the UCC would respect tribal traditions while promoting equality.
As the debate over the UCC intensifies, the outcome of the committee's review could have significant implications for Gujarat’s diverse communities. With local body elections looming, the discussions surrounding the UCC are likely to play a pivotal role in the state’s political landscape.
Amit Chavda, Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the issue to stir communal divides. "The BJP is more focused on playing the politics of majority versus minority," Chavda said. He further pointed out that Gujarat’s tribal communities, who make up 14% of the state’s population, would be particularly affected by the UCC. According to Chavda, the code could disrupt the tribal culture, customs, religious practices, and marriage systems. He also noted that the Jain community and the Devipujaks would face similar challenges if the law were enforced.
Chavda emphasized that the Indian Constitution guarantees certain freedoms to communities to uphold their customs and cultures. He also argued that the implementation of the UCC falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, not state authorities. "This is a political move to distract the public from the BJP's failures as the local elections approach," Chavda claimed.
Isudan Gadhvi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Gujarat, also weighed in, asserting that the BJP raises the UCC issue only during election seasons. Gadhvi expressed concern that the law would disrupt practices in various communities, particularly within the Maldhari and tribal societies, where issues like polygamy are currently handled by community leaders. He warned that the UCC could lead to the erosion of these traditional practices, which might have negative effects on communities such as Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims.
Gadhvi also predicted that the BJP would lose tribal seats in Gujarat if the UCC were enacted, calling for a broader, more inclusive approach to governance rather than one driven by religious and vote-bank politics. "The BJP has failed to address inflation and unemployment, and it does not create jobs. Instead of focusing on real issues, it raises the UCC as a distraction," Gadhvi said.
Danish Siddique, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), further criticized the move, suggesting that the UCC was primarily being used as a tool to target the Muslim community. "The committee may not address our concerns without bias," Siddique warned. He stressed that if tribal communities were excluded from the law’s purview, the code would no longer be considered "uniform." He also pointed out that polygamy exists in several communities beyond Muslims, suggesting that targeting one group for this practice was unjust.
On the other hand, members of the newly formed committee defended the UCC. Social worker Gita Shroff, one of the panel members, voiced her belief that a uniform law would have significant benefits, especially for women and children. "For the past 30 years, I have witnessed the struggles of women and children in their fight for justice. A UCC will help resolve these issues," Shroff said.
Dakshesh Thakar, former vice chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University and another committee member, supported the implementation of the UCC, particularly for women, who are often affected by personal laws. He cited the Supreme Court's Shah Bano judgment, which called for the removal of contradictions in personal laws. "Even the Constituent Assembly laid down guiding principles for state policy that support a uniform code," Thakar said, adding that Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC could serve as a model for Gujarat.
Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, also backed the UCC, claiming it would protect the rights of tribal communities. "The UCC implemented by Uttarakhand has set a precedent that ensures the protection of tribal customs and traditions," Sanghavi noted. He further cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance in Jharkhand that the UCC would respect tribal traditions while promoting equality.
As the debate over the UCC intensifies, the outcome of the committee's review could have significant implications for Gujarat’s diverse communities. With local body elections looming, the discussions surrounding the UCC are likely to play a pivotal role in the state’s political landscape.
Last updated by a enewsx:
