BJP may push through UCC as a poll ploy

Shyam Sundar Vattam I NT

Bengaluru: In a bid to woo Hindu voters, the BJP Government is trying to move the vexed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in the State Assembly as the party is sure that it will not be able to secure minority community votes. Recently, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai hinted at implementing the Uniform Civil Code which has been part of the BJP manifesto since the 1980s.

He contended that several countries had adopted the Uniform Civil Code long ago and India must have it since the Constitution has ensured equality for every citizen. Some of the BJPruled states have initiated the process of having the UCC to fulfill a long-pending promise.

The ruling BJP wants Congress leaders to oppose the UCC tooth and nail so that the Hindu vote will consolidate in its favour. On the other hand, the saffron party aims at painting the Congress Party as ‘prominority’ to stop the transfer of Hindu votes to the Congress kitty.

According to sources, the state law department is learned to have prepared the ground for the UCC bill and it may be tabled during the budget session to be convened in February next year after presenting the State Budget for 2023-24.

The bill is likely to be passed in both Houses since the saffron party enjoys a majority. But the Congress Party would face a dilemma as it cannot openly oppose the UCC or accept it. If it opposes the bill, then the BJP would make it an election plank and higlight the ‘anti-Hindu attitude’ of the Congress Party.

Even if the Congress Party remains neutral, the minority votes would go to other parties. This is what the BJP wants to do to put the Congress in a fix, and win back the confidence of Hindu voters.