Aam Aadmi Party Supports Uniform Civil Code But Treads With Caution

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has expressed its "in-principle" support for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent endorsement of the proposal. However, the AAP emphasizes the importance of consensus-building through discussions with all religious and political entities before implementing the UCC, as stated by AAP leader Sandeep Pathak in a media statement.

"The Aam Aadmi Party supports the ideological stance of the UCC. Article 44 also states that there should be a Uniform Civil Code. However, the Aam Aadmi Party believes that consensus should be reached after discussions with all religions and political parties before implementing it," AAP leader Sandeep Pathak told media.

Sandeep Pathak of the AAP argues that if the Prime Minister had accomplished substantial work during his nine-year tenure, he would not need to rely on controversial issues like the UCC to garner support. Pathak suggests that the BJP lacks genuine interest in implementing the UCC or resolving the issue, rather it focuses on such topics to fuel political strife and create electoral opportunities.

The AAP's backing of the UCC, a politically-sensitive subject, occurs amidst the opposition's efforts to form a united front against the BJP in the upcoming 2024 elections. Several parties, including the Congress, DMK, and the AIMIM led by Asaduddin Owaisi, had accused the Prime Minister of engaging in divisive politics following his comments on the UCC.

Last week, tensions emerged within the opposition's unity when the AAP criticized the Congress for its "silence" regarding the Delhi ordinance issue at a meeting in Patna. The ordinance overrides a Supreme Court ruling that grants the Delhi government control over transfers and appointments of bureaucrats. The AAP made it clear that its participation in future meetings would depend on the Congress pledging its support in fighting against the ordinance.

While the opposition grapples with its internal dynamics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a Uniform Civil Code during a speech, accusing opposition parties of promoting corruption and deriding their recent conclave in Patna as a mere "photo-op". Modi maintained that the BJP would not adopt appeasement and vote bank politics, and highlighted the Opposition's alleged misuse of the UCC issue to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.

The Supreme Court has also advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, but parties engaging in vote bank politics have opposed it. With less than a year remaining until the Lok Sabha polls, the issue has gained prominence as parties position themselves on this sensitive matter.

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