BJP's ally AIADMK opposes Uniform Civil Code
What's the story
The leading regional party in the southern state of Tamil Nadu—All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)—has strongly opposed the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government's move to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). In its election manifesto, the party urged the Centre not to bring any amendments to the UCC that would adversely affect the religious rights of minorities in India.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The AIADMK's opposition to the UCC is seen as a setback to the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as the AIADMK is an important regional ally of the saffron party. Earlier, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the BJP ally in Nagaland, objected to the UCC implementation. The UCC was a major electoral promise made by the BJP at the Centre.
Details
AIADMK urges Centre to make Tamil country's official language
Under the "secularism" section of its manifesto, the AIADMK asked the Centre not to bring amendments to the UCC in any way that might jeopardize minorities' religious rights. Furthermore, the party urged the Centre to make Tamil the official language of the country. Notably, the UCC has been under deliberation for many years and gained traction when PM Narendra Modi advocated for it recently.
Twitter Post
Excerpt from AIADMK's manifesto
"AIADMK will urge the Government of India not to bring any amendments to the constitution for a Uniform Civil Code that will adversely affect the religious rights of minorities of India, reads AIADMK's Election Manifesto pic.twitter.com/nr2qKgCc2k
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2023
PM Modi
PM Modi's push for UCC
Addressing workers in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal last month, PM Modi said having two separate sets of laws is not sustainable for the country. "People are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights...Supreme Court has also asked to implement UCC. These (opposition) people are playing vote bank politics," he said.
Reaction
UCC won't impact tribals in Northeast, other parts: MoS Baghel
Meanwhile, the Minister of State (MoS) for Health SP Singh Baghel said that tribal rights in the Northeast and other parts of the country will not be impacted by the proposed UCC. He became the first member of the government to state the guarantee amid growing pushback. Baghel said the BJP respects the culture of tribals and will not impose any adverse law.
About
A little about Uniform Civil Code
The UCC refers to a common set of laws that would govern personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all residents, regardless of religious affiliation. Goa is the only state in India that has a uniform civil code. The state has been following the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 even after independence.