'Will Cause Problems For Hindus': Uddhav Thackeray Questions BJP On Uniform Civil Code

Uddhav Thackeray questioned the role of the BJP-led Centre in curbing cow slaughter in the country.

While the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has been a supporter of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the party is now questioning the BJP regarding the implementation of the UCC, which will not only cause problems for Muslims, but will also have an impact on Hindus, news agency ANI reported. Up until 2019, before they split, the BJP and the combined Shiv Sena were on the same track about a number of critical ideological issues, including the UCC.

Speaking with media, party president Uddhav said: "We support Uniform Civil Code, but those who are bringing it should not think that it will only cause problems for Muslims, but it will also cause problems for Hindus and many questions will arise."

Uddhav then questioned the role of the BJP-led Centre in curbing cow slaughter in the country.

"Ban cow slaughter from Kashmir to Kanyakumari as there is no ban on cow slaughter. Former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar himself used to say that if there is a shortage of cows in the state, we will import them," he stated. 

These Uddhav Sena pronouncements come at a time when the BJP is going all out to attack the Uddhav Sena, particularly on its philosophy, in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, on Monday, prominent Muslim group Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind asserted that the Uniform Civil Code violates the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion. However, the group said it would oppose the law by taking all legal measures available rather than taking to the streets to demonstrate.

In a statement, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said it opposes the UCC as it is "totally against the religious freedom and fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens in Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution." "Our Constitution is a secular Constitution, in which every citizen has been given full religious freedom, and every person has been also given the right to choose the religion of his choice, because there is no official religion for the Indian state, and it gives complete freedom to all its citizens," the Jamiat said, PTI reported.