Shah pledges Uniform Civil Code, simultaneous elections in next term
What's the story
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across India within the next five years if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returns to power.
In an interview with PTI, he also pledged to implement "One Nation, One Election," stating that "the time has come for the elections to be held simultaneously in the country."
He further suggested that such a move could help reduce election costs.
UCC advocacy
Shah advocates for Uniform Civil Code
Shah emphasized the importance of the UCC, stating, "The UCC is a responsibility left to us, our Parliament and the state legislatures of our country since independence by the makers of our Constitution."
He cited legal scholars like K M Munshi, Rajendra Babu, and Ambedkar Ji who supported a UCC over religion-based laws in a secular nation.
The BJP has already implemented the UCC in Uttarakhand, where it holds the majority government.
Election timing
Shah discusses potential election timing changes
Regarding the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative, Shah stated, "We will also make every effort to achieve 'One Nation, One Election'. This should also be discussed."
He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had formed the Ram Nath Kovind committee, of which he was a member.
When questioned about the possibility of rescheduling elections to avoid the intense heat, Shah responded, "We can think over it. If we prepone one election, it can be done. It should be done."
Simultaneous elections
BJP's manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls
In the BJP's manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, the party said that "Article 44 of the Constitution lists the Uniform Civil Code as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy."
"BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time Bharat adopts a Uniform Civil Code, which protects the rights of all women, and the BJP reiterates its stand to draw a Uniform Civil Code," it read.