CM Jagan Reddy Extends Support To Muslims On UCC, Says Will Not Take Any Decision Against Minorities
The Chief Minister told the delegation of Muslim representatives that the Centre has not yet prepared the draft bill on the UCC and no one knows its contents.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday assured a delegation of Muslim representatives that his government would not take any decision that hurts the sentiments of minorities. The assurance was given in response to their concerns over the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Wednesday, the Chief Minister conveyed that the Central government has not yet prepared the draft bill on the UCC, and its contents are not known to anyone at this point. "This is your Government working for the interests of the weaker sections and minorities, and it will not take any decision that hurts your sentiments. Don’t get unduly worried about it," he said, adding that only the media is discussing these issues. A delegation of Muslim religious leaders met CM Reddy on Wednesday and sought his support in opposing the UCC.
The chief minister addressed the false propaganda surrounding rights of Muslim women and suggested that religious heads and elders should effectively reject such misinformation. He stressed that there would be no compromise on the rights of Muslim women and requested that the delegation provide their suggestions as if they were the Chief Minister.
He further acknowledged that India is a country that stands for unity in diversity, with various religions, castes, and groups following different traditions and customs. Different Personal Law Boards are responsible for handling matters based on their respective faiths and practices.
If there is a need to streamline these practices, the chief minister believes that it should be done through the Personal Law Boards since they possess a fair understanding of these customs and can avoid misinterpretation. He also suggested that any changes in these practices should involve discussions among the Supreme Court, the Law Commission, and the Central Government, along with various Law Boards, to ensure effective implementation in a diverse country like India.
Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Zakia Khanam, Deputy Chief Minister (Minority Welfare) Amzath Basha, Chief Secretary K.S. Jawahar Reddy, Minority Welfare Secretary A. Md. Imtiaz, MLAs Abdul Hafeez Khan, Nawaz Basha,MLCs Shaik Mohammad Iqbal, Mohammad Ruhulla, Shaik Mustafa, Muslim religious heads and others were present.
Meanwhile, a delegation of leaders of Muslim community and religious heads met the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu,at the party office on Wednesday. The former chief minister stated that his party would support the Muslim community on the UCC issue and assured that it would not make any decisions that would be detrimental to Muslims' interests. "We won't act in opposition to your interests. Regarding UCC, we will support your opinions and speak out in parliament.The party would research the proposed law and follow the aspirations of the Muslim community,” Naidu said.