Owaisi opposes NDA’s UCC, alleges diversion tactic

Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), vehemently opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) proposed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on July 14. He accused the ruling alliance of using the proposal as a tactic to distract from key issues, such as poverty, joblessness, rising inflation, and the potential threat of Chinese incursions.
In a press conference, Owaisi, the sitting MP from Hyderabad, revealed his plans to engage with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. He seeks the Chief Minister’s support to oppose the UCC if it is introduced as a bill in Parliament.
In response to the Law Commission’s call for suggestions on the UCC, the AIMIM has presented its stand, bolstered by legal advice from retired Supreme Court Judge Gopala Gowda. Owaisi criticised the Law Commission’s solicitation for public opinion on the UCC, alleging it as a politically motivated attempt to divert focus from pressing societal problems.
He further denounced the central government’s timing of rekindling the UCC debate ahead of elections, dismissing it as a tactic to detract public attention. Owaisi perceives a pattern in which the Law Commission’s involvement in such exercises conveniently coincides with general elections every five years. He suggests this recurrent tactic aims to polarise voters and secure electoral advantages for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the impending 2024 elections.
Addressing the recent decision by the Uttarakhand government to implement the UCC, Owaisi invoked Justice Gopala Gowda’s legal wisdom to assert that such an action is legally untenable.
In their submission to the Law Commission, the AIMIM party questioned if the UCC’s enforcement would contravene certain constitutional guarantees. They demanded clarification on the rules for determining exceptions if certain groups are to be exempted from the UCC.
The party has also asked the Law Commission to alleviate ambiguities and confront issues raised in their response to initiate a nationwide discussion on the UCC.
Meanwhile, the Law Commission has extended the deadline for public responses on the UCC to July 28 due to an overwhelming response and multiple requests for extension. They’ve invited all interested individuals, institutions, and organisations to submit their comments on the UCC by the new deadline, as they believe in fostering an inclusive environment that promotes active participation.