Constitution Day Debate: PM Modi Highlights Importance of Uniform Civil Code, Accuses Congress of Opposing it for "Political Gain"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stated that the Constituent Assembly had discussed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and called for its implementation by an elected government. Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he emphasized that the UCC should apply to all religions. The Prime Minister accused the Congress of opposing the UCC, claiming it did not align with their political agenda.

“Uniform Civil Code – this topic was not beyond the attention of the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly discussed UCC at length and after the debate, they decided that it would be good if whichever government gets elected takes a decision on it and implements UCC in the country. The Supreme Court has also said many times that UCC should be brought into the country… Keeping in mind the spirit of the Constitution and the makers of the Constitution, we are working with full force for a Secular Civil Code,”said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Congress is disrespecting those who made the Constitution because it does not suit their politics, they should even avoid talking about the Constitution,” he added.

The UCC is designed to provide a uniform set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. It aims to replace the current diverse personal laws that differ based on religious affiliations. The BJP has been long advocating for the UCC’s implementation. The party has consistently promised to establish a common civil code for all citizens, regardless of their faith.

During his speech, the Prime Minister lauded the vision of the framers of the Constitution, asserting that their work has been fundamental to India’s journey over the past 75 years. “India is not only a big democracy but it is the mother of all democracies,” he remarked. “India's Constitution has brought us here by defeating the possibilities that were expressed for India at the time when the country attained independence. For this great achievement, besides the drafters of the Constitution, I would like to respectfully bow before the crores of people of India - they lived this new system... Citizens of India deserve all the praise,” PM Modi added.

Lastly, the Prime Minister listed key achievements of his government in its third term, emphasizing that all policies were focused on uplifting marginalized sections of society. In his address, Modi outlined 11 proposals for the House, including ensuring that reservation benefits are not taken away from deserving groups and preventing reservations based on religion. He also advocated for the inclusive development of all regions and communities, a politics free from nepotism, and the fulfillment of duties by both citizens and the government.