In the Midst of Flames: Congress's Resolve in Himachal

Congress responds with vigor in Himachal; Shah pledges UCC if BJP regains power.

Amit Shah stated in an interview with the news agency PTI that if the BJP is re-elected, a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the entire nation will be implemented.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) frequently accuses the Congress of overthrowing state governments during its tenure at the Centre, a claim that remains a prominent theme in the BJP's campaign for this year's Lok Sabha elections. However, on Sunday, the Congress responded with equal fervor.

During his campaign in Himachal Pradesh, where the BJP suffered defeat in the recent assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi accused the saffron party of attempting to orchestrate a division within the ruling Congress and conspiring to overthrow the democratically elected government in the state.

Speaking at a public rally, Gandhi stated that instead of supporting the state, the Union government had been trying to seize power unlawfully.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches in Nahan and Mandi on Friday, the Wayanad MP highlighted Modi's assertion that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh would not last long.

"The Prime Minister claims he will dismantle the Himachal Pradesh government through theft, bribery, and corruption," Gandhi said, accusing Modi of establishing "illegitimate" governments in Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

However, the BJP accuses the Congress leadership in Himachal Pradesh of being ineffective and failing to maintain internal unity. In a recent interview with HT, party president JP Nadda stated that the Congress chief minister in Himachal Pradesh cannot shift blame onto the BJP if its state unit is in disarray.

"People need to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses. In Himachal Pradesh, 9 MLAs voted against you and the chief minister was unaware of it. You are in a vulnerable position, unable to maintain internal discipline, yet you're pointing fingers at others," Nadda remarked.

Elections for all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh will take place on June 1, marking the final phase of the 2024 general elections.

The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has been a longstanding commitment of the BJP, supported for decades by its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While Goa and Uttarakhand have already adopted the UCC, plans for nationwide implementation are still underway.

In an interview with the news agency PTI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed that if the BJP is re-elected, a Uniform Civil Code for the entire country will be introduced.

Shah stated that the BJP's campaign has not relied on religious polarization for support. However, he acknowledged that if addressing issues such as reservations for Muslims, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, and the promise of a Uniform Civil Code are perceived as religion-based, then the BJP has pursued these initiatives and will continue to do so.

"UCC is a responsibility entrusted to us, our Parliament, and the state legislatures of our country since Independence by the framers of our Constitution. The guiding principles established by the constituent assembly include the UCC. Even at that time, legal scholars like KM Munshi, Rajendra Babu, and Dr. Ambedkar had advocated for the necessity of a UCC in a secular nation, emphasizing that laws based on religion should be avoided. Instead, a Uniform Civil Code should be implemented," Shah remarked.

The Uniform Civil Code proposes uniform regulations for marriage, divorce, inheritance, financial compensation, and adoption, among other aspects, applicable to all communities.

However, considering the concerns raised by Scheduled Tribe communities nationwide, the Centre is contemplating providing some exemptions to allow them to uphold their traditions and customs.