Secular Civil Code: In a significant moment during his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and referred to it as a “secular civil code,” a move that has caught the attention of political analysts and the public alike. This statement, delivered from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Thursday, has led many to question whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is repositioning its ideological stance in response to the recent Lok Sabha election results.
PM Modi Calls for a “Secular Civil Code” in Independence Day Speech, Sparking Speculation of Ideological Shift
During his speech, PM Modi labeled the existing civil code as “communal” and stressed the need for a “secular” alternative, stating, “A large section of the country believes, and it is true, that the civil code that we are living with is actually a communal civil code in a way. There should be a secular civil code; we need to move towards that. Then the discrimination on the basis of religion will end.”
The BJP has long been associated with its nationalist ideology and Hindutva principles, often drawing criticism from the Opposition for being a threat to secularism. On the other hand, the BJP frequently criticizes the Congress and its allies as “pseudo-secular,” accusing them of engaging in “vote-bank politics.” The UCC, a longstanding ideological promise of the BJP, has been viewed by many in the Opposition as “anti-minority.”
This recent emphasis on a “secular” UCC by PM Modi has raised questions about the motivations behind this shift. Some analysts suggest that this move might be a strategic response to the BJP’s smaller mandate in the recent Lok Sabha elections. With the party returning to power but with reduced support, this shift in rhetoric could be an attempt to broaden its appeal among the electorate.
Dr. Shashi Verma, a political analyst, remarked, “The use of the term ‘secular’ by Prime Minister Modi in relation to the Uniform Civil Code is noteworthy. It could be a signal that the BJP is attempting to reframe its image and reach out to a broader section of the population, especially in light of their recent electoral performance.”
Congress-led Opposition remains skeptical of the BJP’s intentions
Meanwhile, the Congress-led Opposition remains skeptical of the BJP’s intentions. Ramesh Singh, a senior Congress leader, commented, “The BJP’s call for a ‘secular’ civil code is ironic, given their track record on issues of secularism and minority rights. We see this as another ploy to mislead the public and continue their agenda under the guise of secularism.”
The debate over the Uniform Civil Code has been a longstanding one in Indian politics, with various interpretations and implications for different communities. As discussions and reactions continue to unfold, the public and political observers are closely watching how this proposed shift by the BJP might shape the future discourse on secularism and nationalism in the country.
As the BJP navigates its position in the political landscape, the coming months will reveal whether this emphasis on a “secular” UCC will lead to tangible policy changes or if it remains a rhetorical strategy to consolidate power amidst evolving political dynamics.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER