Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has strongly condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) initiative for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), alleging that it is not aimed at achieving equality but is specifically designed to target the Muslim community in India, estimated to number 18 crore. During a press interaction in Hyderabad, Owaisi levelled accusations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP for infringing on constitutional rights. He stressed that the BJP’s motivation is not rooted in equality but in undermining minority communities.

Owaisi cited several articles of the Indian Constitution, including Articles 25, 14, and 29, claiming that the BJP’s actions contradict these provisions meant to safeguard religious freedom and equality. He argued that the effort to implement the UCC is a direct challenge to India’s fundamental values of diversity and pluralism, emphasizing that the nation’s strength lies in its heterogeneity and inclusion of various communities.

Furthermore, Owaisi remarked that the Law Commission, under the current government, had deemed a uniform code as neither essential nor beneficial for the country. He underlined the importance of respecting India’s pluralistic society, even while debating legislative changes aimed at civil law. Owaisi’s remarks reflect a persistent concern over potential discriminatory practices that may arise from such a code.

Concerns Over State-Specific Laws

Addressing legislative discrepancies, Owaisi questioned the BJP’s commitment to equality, particularly with state-level regulations such as the Disturbed Areas Act and laws on conversions. He raised critical questions about why such laws exist, implying they foster discrimination against Muslims in property transactions, while also highlighting the complexities surrounding the so-called ‘Love Jihad’ laws, which may inhibit interfaith relations.

Owaisi challenged the BJP leadership on its ability to implement the UCC in Goa ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, implying that their unwillingness to do so contradicts their claims of upholding equality. His provocative statements suggest that practical application of the UCC in diverse regions like Goa would reveal the party’s true intentions.

In his statements, he highlighted existing provisions within Goa’s Civil Code that allow for specific community exemptions, which he argues contradict the intent of a uniform code. He detailed situations where Hindu men are permitted to marry again under certain conditions, raising questions about the implications for women’s rights and the necessity of maintaining diversity in marriage laws.

Amit Shah’s Commitment to UCC Implementation

In response to the ongoing discourse around the UCC, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the code across all 21 states governed by the NDA before 2029. During an event in Mumbai, he underscored the significance of this legislative development, citing it as a crucial measure for national unity and integrity.

Shah argued that the introduction of the UCC in various states signifies a transformative approach to law, aiming to create uniformity across personal laws. He expressed confidence that the BJP’s commitment to this legislative process would strengthen security measures and further the goals of national policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He also commented on the improved national security framework under Modi’s leadership, highlighting decisive actions taken by the government, such as surgical strikes and air operations, which he claimed illustrate a robust response to terrorism. Shah’s remarks suggest an intertwining of security discussions with the implementation of the UCC, presenting it as part of a broader agenda for national development.

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