'Tact To Divert Attention From Manipur, Unemployment': Opposition Targets PM Modi As He Bats For UCC

Opposition parties have hit out at PM Modi for advocating a single law, a Uniform Civil Code, for the entire nation. The Opposition alleged that this was a tact to "divert attention from real issues".

Opposition parties on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comments on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Congress accused him of using the UCC issue to divert attention from more pressing matters, such as "unemployment and the violence in Manipur". AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi questioned if PM Modi wanted to do away with India's pluralism in the name of a UCC.

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said that the Prime Minister should address the real issues plaguing the country, including unemployment, rising prices, and the situation in Manipur, reported news agency PTI. He pointed out that Manipur had been in turmoil for the past 60 days, yet the PM Modi has remained silent. Venugopal accused Modi of attempting to divert attention from these crucial matters by focusing on the UCC.

At a gathering of party workers in Bhopal, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the UCC, citing equal rights for all citizens as prescribed by the Constitution. He also accused the Opposition of using the UCC to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.  "How will the country run with different laws? People are only being instigated in the name of the Uniform Civil Code. Two types of laws cannot run the country. The Constitution of India also talks about equal rights for the citizens," he said.

In response, Owaisi challenged the Prime Minister to abolish the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) law, which he claimed cost the country billions of rupees annually. Owaisi accused Modi of focusing solely on the Hindu Civil Code and neglecting the concerns of Pasmanda Muslims. He alleged that while PM Modi expressed sympathy for Pasmanda Muslims, his government's actions contradicted those sentiments.

Senior leader of the Janata Dal (United) Vijay Kumar Chaudhary accused PM Modi of attempting communal polarization through his remarks on the UCC. RJD leader Manoj Jha, too, cautioned against using such issues for "dog-whistle politics" and urged a thorough examination and discussion on the UCC from various perspectives.

Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury responded to Modi's remarks by highlighting the contributions of Muslims to the nation and asserting that they did not require certificates or special favours.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly defended the UCC, citing its inclusion in the Constitution as directive principles of state policy, and the Supreme Court's endorsement of the provision in various judgments. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav criticized the opposition parties for not taking significant action to improve the lives of marginalized sections of society, including the Pasmanda community.

(With PTI inputs.)