Jaipur, Aug 3 (IANS) Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Monday backed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), claiming it would help improve the socio-economic condition of Muslims, while also urging the Rajasthan government to provide five acres of land free of cost to every landless poor family.
Addressing the media during his visit to Jaipur, Athawale said the UCC was not directed against any particular community but would contribute to social and economic development, particularly among Muslims, and could help address poverty.
He further suggested that neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan should also consider implementing a Uniform Civil Code, adding that letters should be sent to their Prime Ministers urging adoption of similar legislation.
The Union Minister expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lead the NDA to another victory in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
“PM Modi is physically fit and strong. He has contributed significantly to the country’s development. The NDA will return to power for the fourth consecutive term in 2029,” Athawale said.
He also claimed that opposition leaders, including Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, would not be able to defeat the NDA.
Athawale announced that his party, the Republican Party of India (RPI), would contest the upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections in Rajasthan as an NDA ally.
He said the party would hold discussions with BJP State President Madan Rathore and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma regarding seat-sharing arrangements.
“As an NDA constituent, we will contest elections in some constituencies while extending support to the BJP in others,” he said.
On land reforms, Athawale appealed to the Rajasthan government to launch a special programme to provide five acres of agricultural land to every eligible landless family, irrespective of caste or community.
He suggested that the state first constitute an expert committee to identify beneficiaries through a detailed survey. If sufficient government land is unavailable, the state should consider purchasing land for distribution. He also appealed to large landowners to voluntarily donate land, drawing parallels with the historic Bhoodan Movement.
“I will soon write to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma requesting that landless poor families in Rajasthan be provided five acres of land,” Athawale said.
Referring to recent student protests, Athawale said movements should remain peaceful and constitutional. Athawale alleged that opposition parties attempted to politicise the student movement, claiming that LoP Rahul Gandhi joined the protests only after realising that student sentiment could turn against the opposition.
Commenting on LoP Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in Parliament, Athawale said debates should maintain decorum. He said the use of words such as “Idiot” was inappropriate in Parliament and criticised allegations made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that such statements were intended to tarnish his image.
–IANS
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