AAP extends support to Centre on Uniform Civil Code
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday lent its support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country. This comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi triggered a nationwide debate after batting for the UCC in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, saying one home cannot have two sets of laws.
Quotes
There should be wide consultation on UCC, says AAP
Speaking to ANI, AAP leader Sandeep Pathak said his party supports the UCC in principle as Article 44 of the Indian Constitution also says that there should be UCC in the country. "Therefore, there should be a wide consultation with all religions, political parties, and organizations and a consensus should be built," he stated.
Twitter Post
Here's Pathak's full statement
#WATCH | We support Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in principle as Article 44 also says that there should be UCC in the country. Therefore, there should be a wide consultation with all religions, political parties and organizations and a consensus should be built: AAP leader Sandeep… pic.twitter.com/kiZoOpcgcS
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023
Criticism
Almost every opposition party has opposed UCC
The AAP's stance on the UCC issue could be seen as a dent in the opposition's efforts to unite ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against the ruling BJP. Notably, almost all the opposition parties have opposed the UCC, accusing Modi of raising the issue for political gains and diverting the public's attention from "real issues" like Manipur violence and unemployment.
Twitter Post
Watch: Modi's UCC pitch for 2024 elections
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi speaks on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2023
"Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights...Supreme Court has also asked to implement UCC. These (Opposition) people… pic.twitter.com/UwOxuSyGvD
UCC
UCC is part of BJP's manifesto
The UCC seeks to implement common personal laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion, gender, and sexual orientation. It is a part of the constitution and the BJP's manifesto. Earlier this month, the Law Commission reportedly began a fresh consultation process on the UCC, seeking input from all parties. Critics argue that the UCC would lead to undue interference in religious minorities' affairs.