UCC debate intensifies in Rajasthan as Cong demands draft, BJP backs public consultations
Jaipur, July 8 (IANS) A political slugfest has erupted in Rajasthan over the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the Congress demanding that the BJP government release the draft legislation before seeking public suggestions, while the ruling party has defended the consultation process as a step towards building broad consensus.
The state government has invited suggestions from citizens on the proposed UCC, but the opposition has questioned the process, arguing that people cannot provide informed feedback without knowing what the proposed law contains.
The issue has quickly turned into a fresh political flashpoint, with both sides trading sharp allegations.
Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra said the government should first release the draft of the proposed UCC before asking the public for suggestions. According to the Congress, meaningful consultation is possible only when people are aware of the provisions being proposed.
Party leaders described the government’s approach as lacking transparency and alleged that the exercise is politically motivated. Dotasra accused the BJP government of diverting public attention from pressing issues such as electricity shortages, water supply, unemployment and deteriorating law and order.
“The government is busy seeking suggestions on the UCC, but where are the public hearings on electricity, water and employment?” he told IANS, alleging that the ruling party is trying to shift the political narrative away from governance-related concerns.
He also questioned the composition of the committee examining the UCC, claiming that individuals with a particular ideological background had been included in the panel.
Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully echoed the demand for transparency, insisting that the complete draft should be made public before any consultation process begins. “If people do not know what the law proposes, what suggestions can they possibly give?” Jully asked.
He further alleged that the BJP government was raising the UCC issue to divert attention from development, law and order and other public concerns.
Jully also reminded the government of its promise to introduce legislation for the conservation of the Khejri tree, claiming that no concrete action has been taken despite earlier assurances. The Congress has clarified that it will present its detailed position if a UCC Bill is introduced in the Rajasthan Assembly, but insists that transparency must precede any public consultation.
Responding to the Congress attack, Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore said the Opposition’s objections were misplaced because the consultation process itself is meant to shape the proposed law. He said the government has not taken any final decision regarding Hindu law, Muslim Personal Law or other legal provisions and that every decision will be based on the suggestions received from various sections of society.
“The objective is to achieve maximum consensus before preparing the legislation,” Rathore said, adding that Rajasthan is studying the UCC models adopted by other states while considering local circumstances before drafting its own law.
Questioning the Congress’s stand, Rathore asked why the opposition was objecting to the process of inviting public opinion. He said if the Congress identifies shortcomings in the proposed legislation, it should raise them in the Assembly instead of opposing consultations.
The BJP leader also accused the Congress of lacking substantive issues to challenge the government and alleged that the Opposition had resorted to personal attacks and political rhetoric instead of engaging in constructive debate.
With the government continuing its consultation process and the Congress demanding that the draft be released first, the proposed Uniform Civil Code has emerged as the latest political battleground in Rajasthan.
–IANS
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