New Delhi: Addressing the nation on the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 15) mentioned the issue of the Uniform Civil Code, which has for long been an agenda of the BJP.
“Supreme court has discussed about the civil code many times. The civil code with which we are living is a communal civil code that does discrimination. I believe that there should be widespread discussion in the country over this issue and those laws which divide the country based on religion should not find any place in modern society,” said Modi.
“We have spent 75 years under a communal civil code, now there is a need for a secular civil code. Only then can we be free from discrimination based on religion, the distance that common citizens feel,” added Modi.
Notably, in its consultation paper, the 21st Law Commission had said it had “dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage [sic]”.
In states such as Uttarakhand, which brought in a legislation for Uniform Civil Code, the BJP government has faced massive protests against its implementation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also made a case for one nation one election, another issue that has been raised by the BJP in recent times.
“From the Red Fort, I urge the political community to support the idea of “One Nation, One Election.” It is crucial for the nation to unite behind this initiative. Frequent elections create stagnation in the nation. Today, every scheme and initiative seems to be influenced by election cycles, and every action is coloured by political considerations,” PM Modi said.
Earlier Modi had said that as a neighbouring country, India is concerned about the situation in Bangladesh, also mentioning the Hindu minority in the country in his speech.
“I hope that the situation there gets to normal soon. Especially, our 140 crore countrymen are concerned about the Hindus and minorities there and that their protection is ensured. India always wants that our neighbouring countries move towards happiness and peace. We have a commitment towards peace,” said Modi.
Modi added that India will continue its cooperation with Bangladesh in the future.
While PM Modi expressed his concern about the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, he was silent about the attacks on minorities in India, especially the Muslim community. In recent times, other countries have expressed concern about the state of minorities in India.
Earlier, the Prime Minister said that he is determined to fight corruption.
“I have waged a war against corruption. I know that I have to pay a price for it. My reputation has to pay a price. But my reputation cannot be bigger than country. My honest fight with corruption will be continued. I want to create an environment of fear for the corrupt,” said Modi.
The Prime Minister also said that while earlier there was a ‘mai-baap culture’ wherein people had to plead with the government for their necessities.
Modi said that this perception has changed today.
“There are people who are openly glorifying corruption. There are constant efforts to make corrupt people acceptable,” said Modi.
In wake of the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor in West Bengal, Modi said that he can feel the outrage over violence against women and the state governments need to take it seriously, reported The Indian Express.
Modi added that he plans to bring in 1 lakh youngsters into electoral politics who have no political connections to ensure politics is free from the clutches of dynasties.
During the address of the Prime Minister, among those in the audience included Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.
