Congress MP Rakibul Hussain from Dhubri in Assam expressed that the Congress does not oppose the concept of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) but raised concerns about its presentation and execution. He highlighted that the idea of a common civil law is not new and has historical discussions dating back to Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar’s era. Ambedkar, during his tenure as Law Minister, emphasized the necessity of uniformity in certain civil laws and the underlying principles of such reforms.
Hussain stressed the importance of understanding the intentions and framework behind the UCC, urging for a comprehensive examination beyond mere slogans. He pointed out the diverse customary practices and social systems of various communities, including tribal groups and minorities in Assam, which should be taken into account before enacting any uniform legislation. Additionally, he mentioned how many Muslim families in Assam already adhere to property rights for daughters and women based on established social and religious norms.
The Congress leader accused the BJP and the Assam government of creating confusion by misrepresenting the Congress as staunchly against the UCC. He clarified that the All India Congress Committee is open to discussions on legal reforms but emphasized the necessity for clarity on the specifics of the proposed UCC and its potential impacts on different communities. Hussain criticized the BJP for exploiting the UCC issue for political polarization ahead of elections.
The ongoing political discourse in Assam regarding the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government has sparked intense debates. While the BJP strongly supports the move, opposition parties and various organizations have raised apprehensions about its potential implications on cultural and religious practices.
