Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma restated the BJP-led government’s dedication to enforcing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He emphasized that all promises outlined in the party’s election manifesto would be honored. CM Sarma highlighted that the UCC, a key aspect of their manifesto, would be pursued along with other commitments.
The discussions around the UCC have gained momentum in BJP-ruled states. The UCC aims to replace religion-based personal laws concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption with a unified legal framework applicable to all citizens. Uttarakhand recently passed UCC legislation, becoming the first state in independent India to do so under the BJP government.
Advocating for the UCC, the BJP asserts that it would promote gender justice, equality, and national unity. The party views the UCC as integral to its governance agenda and a means to uphold its ideological principles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders have supported the idea of a common civil law system nationwide, citing the importance of equal rights.
Despite the BJP’s stance, opposition parties and minority groups have raised concerns about the UCC’s potential impact on India’s cultural and religious diversity. Critics have called for extensive consultations before any nationwide implementation of the UCC. In Assam, the BJP government has already introduced various initiatives aligned with its electoral promises, including measures related to marriage registration, polygamy restrictions, land reforms, and addressing encroachment issues.
