Hyderabad, Sep 21: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday questioned the proposed application of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to non-Hindu communities, arguing that its implementation would conflict with Articles 14, 25, 26 and 29 of the Indian Constitution and demanding clarity on why Muslims should not receive exemptions similar to those extended to tribal communities.
Speaking to IANS in Lucknow, Owaisi alleged that applying the UCC would effectively extend Hindu personal laws to non-Hindus. He specifically questioned how provisions under the Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Divorce Act and Hindu Succession Act could be applied to communities with different religious and cultural practices.
Owaisi said tribal communities were being excluded from the UCC because their religion, culture and family life differed from those of other groups. He questioned why Muslims should not similarly be exempted, citing differences in their religion, culture and family life.
The AIMIM chief also criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over law-and-order issues, particularly alleged demolitions of mosques and a graveyard in Kanpur. Referring to a demolition carried out at 5 a.m. two days earlier, he questioned the legal basis for the action and alleged that authorities had not followed due process under the law concerning ‘waqf by user’.
On employment, Owaisi questioned the Uttar Pradesh government’s plan to provide jobs to one lakh young people ahead of the elections. He argued that the government should first fill existing vacancies in the state administration and police departments, which he said run into lakhs and have remained unfilled for the past 11 years.
Asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘chhatron ki goonj’ programme and BJP allegations concerning remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother, Owaisi declined to comment directly, saying the Congress had capable people who would respond to the issue.
Owaisi also responded to BSP chief Mayawati’s decision to assign a new responsibility to Ishan Anand. He described Mayawati as a prominent leader who had formed governments with a complete majority without family support and became Chief Minister several times, adding that the matter concerned her party.
On AIMIM’s electoral strategy, Owaisi said it was too early to say whether the party would contest independently or enter into an alliance with other parties, adding that the position would become clear soon.
