Mumbai, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde addressed several key issues on Wednesday, calling on Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states to prioritize national interests over party politics at significant events like BRICS. He emphasized the need for unity, particularly in discussions surrounding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), advocating that all religious sentiments, especially those of minority communities, must be respected during the law-making process.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s concerns about a potential merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000, Hegde clarified that this would not burden the average consumer. He explained that transactions up to ₹2,000 would incur no fees, while those above this amount would be subjected to a 0.4% charge, capped at ₹300, to be paid by the merchant rather than the customer.
Hegde dismissed Gandhi’s claims as misinformation, asserting that the MDR system is designed to cover the operational costs for banks and service providers linked to UPI transactions. He reiterated that consumers would not suffer direct losses from this arrangement.
On the topic of the UCC, Hegde stated that objections and suggestions regarding the proposal would be made public. He stressed the importance of ensuring that legislation does not offend any religious sentiments, advocating for equal laws for all citizens while considering the concerns of minority groups. He referenced a seven-member committee in Maharashtra, led by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, which is currently drafting the UCC.
Hegde also mentioned that states like Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat are working on similar initiatives, aiming to establish a uniform legal framework for marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance.
Discussing India’s hosting of the BRICS summit, Hegde remarked on its significance as an international event. He criticized the absence of three Congress Chief Ministers from the BRICS gala dinner, stating that the gathering was not a political party event but a national representation. He viewed their absence as an attempt to undermine the image of the BRICS summit.
In recognition of Prime Minister Modi‘s 25 years in public life, Hegde praised his leadership, recalling a personal meeting where Modi expressed appreciation for him. Hegde regarded this as a significant honor.
He highlighted Modi’s long tenure in public service, from his role as Gujarat’s Chief Minister to leading the BJP to power at the national level in 2014, and subsequently in the 2019 and 2024 elections. Hegde conveyed that Shiv Sena and NDA partners wish to extend their congratulations to Modi on this milestone.
Hegde expressed the need for Modi’s continued leadership within the NDA, sharing his political aspirations for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He expressed confidence that under Modi, the BJP and NDA would continue to govern effectively, anticipating another term for Modi as Prime Minister.
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