Having a separate law for Muslims is like encouraging formation of another Pakistan, the Shiv Sena said on Monday even as it termed the implementation of Uniform Civil Code a “national work” and urged ally BJP to fulfil its poll promise.
The Law Ministry has asked the Law Commission to examine in detail all issues pertaining to the Uniform Civil Code and submit a report to the government.
“India may have an all-inclusive culture, but politicians have wreaked havoc in the name of secularism in the past 60 years. There is a different law for Hindus and Muslims. The truth is, having a separate law for Muslims is like encouraging the formation of another Pakistan,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana .
It claimed that the past governments did nothing to change the situation while continuing with their appeasement politics. “What is wrong if people today expect you [the BJP] to implement the law and make the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which you once so desperately wanted when you were in the Opposition?” the ruling alliance partner sought to know.
‘Not good for nation’ The Sena said if the government has referred the matter to the Law Commission keeping in mind the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections next year, it is not good for the country.
“Not withstanding the opposition from Muslim leaders, the government should go ahead with the implementation of the [Uniform Civil] Code, which is a national work. The Modi government has absolute majority. This needs to be respected by them,” the Sena said.
The Uniform Civil Code has been a controversial issue and it was the part of BJP’s poll manifesto. The code, if implemented, would mean a set of common civil laws for all citizens in place of multitude of personal laws for different religious groups.
Won’t beg for berth: Uddhav Meanwhile, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray said BJP central leadership has not held any discussion with him on the Union Cabinet expansion and that his party will not stand on anybody’s doors seeking favours.
Asserting that his party will not beg for favours shedding self-respect, the Sena chief hinted that even in 2014 when the NDA swept to power, his party did not get its due.
“At that time [the BJP] offered us the Minister of State [portfolio]. Then [it] said we will get a Cabinet berth. We say whatever we get, we should get with respect. We will not beg for anything. There have been no discussions with Delhi on Cabinet expansion,” he said.
Mr. Thackeray said getting ministerial berths was a secondary issue for him and that he would put forward his views if discussions were to take place.
“People from various political parties are joining the Shiv Sena. I have been busy attending to them and thus have not got the time to discuss the Cabinet expansion. One thing is clear. The Sena will never stand helplessly on anybody’s doors asking for anything,” Mr. Thackeray said.
Referring to the Maharashtra Cabinet expansion, which according to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would happen before he leaves for his Russia tour early next week, the Sena chief said: “I and the CM have only had superficial discussions. I will announce the intricacies once a detailed discussion happens.”
The much-talked about expansion of the Union Cabinet is set to take place on Tuesday morning.
Published - July 05, 2016 03:44 am IST
