Steps towards implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Madhya Pradesh are fast approaching. The Chief Minister of that state, Mohan Yadav, has announced that the UCC Bill is going to be introduced in the upcoming monsoon sessions of the Assembly. However, his comments at the inauguration of a school in Katni district are now causing a major political uproar across the country. The CM’s comment that “only those who have married once in the state have the right to live legally” has become a hot topic of discussion. The Chief Minister questioned why there are different laws for Hindus and Muslims when there is one country, one constitution, one head and one flag. He made it clear that his government’s intention is to have one law for all. Mohan Yadav said, “When Ram had only one marriage, why should Rahim have two, three or four marriages? Muslim women are also our sisters. According to the proposed UCC law, only a monogamous person has the legal right to stay in Madhya Pradesh.” He also warned that instant triple talaq is not allowed under the current laws and anyone who commits ‘talaq, talaq, talaq’ is sure to go to jail. The proposal will be approved in the next cabinet meeting to be held in Jagdishpur, Bhopal and then introduced in the assembly. He accused the Congress party of dividing the society in the name of Hindu-Muslim.
The Congress party was furious over the Chief Minister’s comments. Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez vehemently condemned CM Mohan Yadav’s use of holy names like ‘Ram’ and ‘Rahim’ to compare him. He criticized the Chief Minister’s use of the names of Gods for political purposes as evidence of his degenerate mindset. “Talking about UCC, the Chief Minister is only talking about marriages. And can he say the same thing to the tribals of our country? Does he not know that the Indian constitution allows polygamy for some tribals? Are they trying to take away their rights too?” Hafeez asked. In the name of UCC, the Congress leader alleged that the BJP is only targeting a single group and seeking political gain.
