AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday, September 15, urged NDA allies including the JD(U) and TDP to oppose the Uniform Civil Code if they have any disagreement with the BJP’s ideology.
Speaking to reporters, Owaisi alleged that the UCC was being introduced in different states to target India’s Muslim population and weaken constitutional protections for religious minorities.
“If they still have even the slightest difference with the BJP, they should oppose it,” Owaisi said, referring to NDA allies.
His remarks came two days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the UCC would be implemented in all NDA ruled states by 2029.
Owaisi Questions UCC’s Impact on Religious Freedom
Owaisi alleged that the BJP and the RSS were seeking to weaken protections under Articles 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution, which deal with religious freedom and the rights of cultural and religious minorities.
He also referred to Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law.
“The Constitution gives every person the right to practise their religion,” Owaisi said, adding that imposing laws associated with one religious community on another would be contrary to equality and freedom of religion.
The AIMIM chief alleged that the UCC could impose provisions similar to those in the Hindu Succession Act, Hindu Marriage Act and Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act on non Hindu communities.
“This is absolutely wrong. Imposing the laws of one religion upon another is contrary to equality and freedom of religion. That is why we are opposing it,” he said.
UCC Excludes Tribal Communities, Says Owaisi
Owaisi also questioned the exclusion of tribal communities from the UCC in Madhya Pradesh.
“Tribals constitute 21 per cent of the population in Madhya Pradesh, yet you are imposing this on the eight per cent Muslim population. You kept the tribals out because their culture and traditions are distinct,” he said.
He questioned whether Muslim personal laws and religious customs should receive similar consideration.
Owaisi said India’s unity in diversity was its greatest strength and alleged that the BJP’s approach to the UCC threatened that principle.
He also criticised slogans raised by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during the Assembly discussion on the legislation, arguing that such statements were inconsistent with the principle of equality.
Support for September 17 UCC Protest
Owaisi extended his support to the protest against the UCC organised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on September 17.
He appealed to Muslims across the country to participate in the protest and make it successful.
The UCC has already been introduced in Uttarakhand and is being considered or implemented in several other BJP ruled states, including Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh. Supporters argue that it would create uniformity in personal laws, while opponents have raised concerns about religious freedom, customary practices and minority rights.
