NEW DELHI, April 14: The BJP on Sunday reiterated that it will implement both Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and Uniform Civil Code if they come back to power during the Lok Sabha polls.
The ruling party’s stand was made clear during the release of its manifesto (See P-7) here. “We have taken the historic step of enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and will implement it to confer citizenship to all eligible persons,” it said without mincing any word.
BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time Bharat adopts a Uniform Civil Code, which protects the rights of all women. The BJP reiterates its stand to draw a Uniform Civil Code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with the modern times, the manifesto said.
The Uniform Civil Code is a proposal in India to formulate and implement personal laws of citizens which apply on all citizens equally regardless of their religion. Currently, personal laws of various communities are governed by their religious scriptures.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its election manifesto, titled ‘Sankalp Patra,’ which pledges several significant initiatives, including the implementation of the CAA and the UCC.
Released at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the manifesto underscores the party’s commitment to gender equality through the adoption of a Uniform Civil Code.
The BJP reiterated Article 44 of the Constitution, which lists the UCC as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy, emphasising that gender equality cannot be achieved without its implementation. The Uniform Civil Code is envisioned as a comprehensive set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, transcending religious, gender, and caste barriers. Notably, Uttarakhand recently became the first state in India to implement the UCC earlier this year.
Additionally, the BJP manifesto outlines the party’s plans to foster peace in the Northeast region and phase out the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA. The party aims to address issues in disturbed areas and resolve inter-state border disputes through sustained efforts.
The AFSPA Act grants the central government authority to deploy armed forces in disturbed areas upon the issuance of official notifications by state governors or administrators.
Furthermore, the BJP manifesto emphasizes leveraging the Northeast as a strategic gateway for India’s Act East Policy, focusing on connectivity, education, health, economic development, and security.
The party pledges to construct reservoirs for flood management in the region, utilising advanced satellite imagery to identify suitable locations. The reservoirs will be in the form of ponds which can absorb excess rain water reducing the impact of floods.
