New Delhi: In a comprehensive interview with PTI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ambitious plans for the next term, including the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and 'One Nation, One Election'. Shah emphasized that these initiatives are integral to the party’s vision for India and will be pursued vigorously if the BJP is re-elected.
Uniform Civil Code
Amit Shah reiterated the BJP’s longstanding commitment to a Uniform Civil Code, a goal that has been on the party's agenda since the 1950s. The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures and customs with a common set governing every citizen. Shah stressed the necessity of extensive consultations and debates before its nationwide implementation.
"The UCC is a responsibility left to us by the makers of our Constitution," Shah said, referring to the guiding principles laid down by the Constituent Assembly. "Legal scholars like K M Munshi, Rajendra Babu, and Ambedkar Ji believed that there should not be laws based on religion in a secular country."
Shah highlighted the BJP's experiment in Uttarakhand, where the state government enacted the UCC. He called for social and legal scrutiny of this model law, urging religious leaders to be consulted and extensive debates to be held. Shah affirmed that the BJP aims to introduce the UCC across India within the next five years, emphasizing that "five years are a sufficient period."
Simultaneous Polls
Shah also emphasized the need for simultaneous elections, citing the economic and administrative benefits of 'One Nation, One Election'. He stated that this approach would reduce election costs and minimize disruptions caused by the frequent electoral cycle.
"We will make every effort to achieve 'One Nation, One Election'. The Prime Minister had formed the Ram Nath Kovind committee to examine the issues related to simultaneous elections. Its report has been submitted, and the time has come for elections to be held simultaneously in the country," Shah said.
The BJP's manifesto for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls underscores the importance of this initiative. It mentions the formation of a high-powered committee by the Modi government to examine the feasibility and logistics of simultaneous elections. Shah indicated that the party would introduce a bill on this issue within the next term if re-elected.
Gender Equality and Electoral Reforms
Shah linked the UCC to gender equality, stating that uniform laws would protect the rights of all women. The BJP manifesto asserts that gender equality cannot be achieved without a Uniform Civil Code, which harmonizes traditional practices with modern values.
The manifesto also promises provisions for a common electoral roll for all levels of elections, further simplifying the electoral process and ensuring consistency across various polls.
Conclusion
Amit Shah's interview outlines a clear roadmap for significant legal and electoral reforms that the BJP intends to pursue if given another term in office. These reforms, including the Uniform Civil Code and simultaneous elections, reflect the party’s vision of a more unified and streamlined governance structure. The emphasis on extensive consultations and debates suggests a cautious yet determined approach to implementing these potentially transformative policies.