Senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stressing that constitutional principles must remain above political ideology.
Khurshid’s remarks came a day after Shah said the UCC would be introduced by 2029 across the 21 states governed by the BJP or its NDA allies. Shah also reiterated the government’s intention to deport illegal immigrants from India.
Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said political beliefs cannot override the Constitution.
“They hold an ideology with which we do not agree. We believe there is a need to understand the Constitution. Whatever your ideology may be, it cannot diverge from the Constitution,” he said.
Khurshid also questioned the legal validity of UCC laws being introduced by individual states, arguing that their provisions should be examined by the judiciary, particularly where fundamental rights and religious freedom are involved.
“What has been done in Uttarakhand or other states — and what you intend to do elsewhere — must first be tested in the High Court or Supreme Court, particularly regarding fundamental rights and the freedom to adhere to one’s religious faith,” Khurshid said.
He added that the final position would depend on the courts’ verdicts. Taking a political swipe at the BJP, Khurshid said the party could continue making statements on the UCC while the legal challenges remained pending.
“Until the verdict is out, they may continue to say whatever they wish about the UCC. If they want to keep winning elections by making such statements, let them do so,” he said.
Khurshid Points To Uttarakhand UCC Challenge
Khurshid referred to the legal challenge against the UCC implemented in Uttarakhand, saying the matter is still pending before the court.
“It has been challenged; I am aware that it has been challenged in Uttarakhand. The case filed there is currently pending and is yet to be heard,” he said.
He said similar legal challenges could emerge in other states and questioned whether different High Courts would hear the cases individually or whether the Supreme Court could eventually bring the matters together.
Congress Leader Questions Government’s Approach To Gen Z
Khurshid also questioned the government’s response to protests involving Gen Z and its claims of wanting to engage with young people through dialogue.
“What kind of dialogue have you held with the youth? The Supreme Court had to intervene. Pellet guns were fired. That was hardly a situation conducive to dialogue,” he said.
Khurshid also referred to the ‘Cockroach Party’ as an emerging pressure group and said its political significance would become clearer with time.
He further accused the government of failing to maintain dialogue with the Opposition while speaking about the need for engagement with young people.
Rashid Alvi Questions BJP’s UCC Focus
Another Congress leader, Rashid Alvi, also questioned the government’s emphasis on the Uniform Civil Code.
Alvi asked whether implementing the UCC would address issues such as unemployment, economic difficulties or fuel prices. He also alleged that the BJP’s policies had adversely affected Muslims.
“The very concept of a Uniform Civil Code implies uniformity within civil laws. Currently, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians have distinct personal laws,” Alvi said.
