The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a prominent ally of the opposition Congress in Kerala, has declared that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be countered through legal and political means, rather than street protests. The IUML plans to organize model seminars across Kerala and other parts of the country, inviting all political parties and religious groups opposed to the UCC to raise awareness against it. The decision was made during a party meeting in Kozhikode on Tuesday.
According to IUML state chief Sayyid Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal, the UCC affects not only Muslims but also the entire nation’s social fabric. Thangal emphasized the need for a collective and responsible response to the issue, stating that opposition should be pursued legally and politically, with the support of all political parties. The IUML intends to invite representatives from all parties and religious groups to participate in the seminars.
However, Thangal also cautioned against religious polarization and urged everyone to refrain from turning the UCC into a divisive issue. P K Kunhalikutty, the IUML’s national general secretary, emphasized the importance of focusing on the dangers of the UCC and not on political rivalries in the state of Kerala.
The recent exchange between the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) and the opposition Congress has added fuel to the UCC debate. The CPM had reached out to Muslim organizations, including the IUML, to discuss the UCC issue, leading the Congress to accuse the CPM of exploiting the UCC for political gain and creating communal strife. The CPM responded by claiming that the Congress was concerned because the IUML and the CPM shared similar views on the UCC.
The UCC debate was reignited after Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for its implementation while addressing BJP workers in Madhya Pradesh. He questioned the presence of dual laws governing personal matters in the country and pushed for the UCC’s adoption.
The IUML’s decision to counter the UCC through legal and political means, rather than taking to the streets, reflects their commitment to peaceful and constructive methods of protest. The seminars they plan to hold aim to gather support from various political parties and religious groups, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the social fabric of the nation. While the UCC remains a divisive issue, the IUML and other opposition groups are determined to raise awareness and advocate for their concerns through legal and political channels.
