Uniform Civil Code can’t be Forced on People by Agenda-driven Govt: Chidambaram

New Delhi, 28th June 2023: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case and robust statements for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Congress leader and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram said it could not be imposed by a “agenda-driven majoritarian government” because it would “widen divisions” among citizens.

The former Union Minister alleged that the PM was batting for UCC to shift attention away from concerns such as unemployment, price increases, and hate crimes. He also claimed that the BJP was using UCC to polarise society.

He said, “The Hon’ble PM is making it appear that UCC is a simple exercise. He should read the report of the last Law Commission that pointed out it was not feasible at this time. The nation is divided today owing to the words and deeds of the BJP. A UCC imposed on the people will only widen the divisions.”

Chidambaram took to Twitter to say, “It cannot be forced on the people by an agenda-driven majoritarian government. The Hon’ble PM’s strong pitch for UCC is intended to divert attention from inflation, unemployment, hate crimes, discrimination and denying states’ rights. The people must be vigilant.”

Further referring to PM Modi’s speech he wrote, “Even in a family there is diversity. The Constitution of India recognised diversity and plurality among the people of India.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a forceful push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Tuesday, questioning how the country can function with separate rules governing personal concerns, and accusing the Opposition of exploiting the UCC issue to “mislead and provoke” the Muslim community.

For a long time, the UCC has been one of the BJP’s three primary election platforms, along with the repeal of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

UCC refers to a set of non-religious rules that apply to all Indian residents that deal with marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, among other personal affairs.