Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Accuses Efforts to Polarize Through Uniform Civil Code
Recently, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo accused certain parties of attempting to create polarization through the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He claimed that these efforts aim to divide votes under the pretext of Hindu and Muslim issues, particularly targeting the Muslim community.
Singh Deo’s statement came in response to Ashfaq Saifi, the Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission, who said that those opposing the implementation of the UCC were also opposing the development, education, and equality of Muslims. The Deputy CM dismissed Saifi’s remarks and stated that conscious voters would not be swayed by emotional strategies but rather consider various factors before casting their votes.
Singh Deo highlighted incidents such as the controversy surrounding Lord Hanuman, the Kerala story, and the Hijab issues, stating that these were exploited to end Muslim reservation and polarize voters in Karnataka. However, he noted that the voters in Karnataka delivered a clear mandate, indicating that attempts to divide them on emotional grounds were unsuccessful.
The Deputy CM stated that the UCC is not an issue for state assembly elections or the general elections in 2024. He believes that people will come to understand this in due course.
Singh Deo further expressed his concern for diversity in the country and emphasized the need to maintain harmony within it. He mentioned how various communities, including Sikhs, Christians, and tribals, have their distinct cultures and traditions that should be respected and preserved.
Additionally, he referred to an interview with senior advocate Kapil Sibal, where the advocate read a statement made by Golwalkar in the constituent assembly. According to Golwalkar’s statement, the UCC should not be a law in the country due to its diverse population. Singh Deo echoed this sentiment, stating that preserving harmony within diversity is crucial.
The UCC, if implemented, would establish a common law applicable to all religious communities regarding crucial matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Singh Deo’s remarks suggest that certain parties are attempting to exploit religious sentiments for political gains. He asserted that issues such as surgical strikes, the Pulwama attack, the abrogation of Article 370, and the Ram Mandir have reached a point of diminishing returns for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government. Consequently, efforts are being made to divide people emotionally to secure votes, although the Deputy CM did not mention any specific party.
In conclusion, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo accused parties of attempting to create polarization through the Uniform Civil Code in order to divide votes, particularly under the pretext of Hindu and Muslim issues. He believes that these attempts failed in the recent Karnataka elections, and that conscious voters will consider multiple factors before casting their votes. Singh Deo emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony within India’s diverse population, and urged for the preservation and respect of different cultures and traditions.
