Kolkata, June 28: Ahead of the introduction of a crucial bill related to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the West Bengal Assembly on June 29, the state BJP president, Samik Bhattacharya, clarified on Saturday that members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) will not be included under the proposed law in any circumstance.
In a statement released on social media, Bhattacharya emphasized that the UCC will not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes as defined under Article 366(25) and Article 342 of the Indian Constitution.
He reiterated that the BJP’s position on the UCC has been clear for a long time. This issue was also part of the party’s manifesto and electoral promises during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections. There is nothing to hide or create confusion about, he stated.
Bhattacharya asserted that the BJP believes the UCC is essential in West Bengal, as it aims to ensure equal rights and obligations for all citizens before the law.
He explained that a uniform civil framework, rather than religion-based personal laws concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, would strengthen the spirit of unity, justice, and constitutional equality in the country.
The BJP state president mentioned that if this law is enacted, uniform civil provisions will apply to all citizens. He claimed it would also be a significant step towards abolishing practices like polygamy permitted under personal laws.
However, he clarified that determining the number of children in a family is not the aim or provision of the UCC.
Bhattacharya stressed that there is no need to spread confusion regarding the UCC. He noted that while the goal is to establish a uniform civil law for all citizens, the special protections granted to Scheduled Tribes by the Constitution will be fully maintained. Both aspects will be given equal priority.
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DSC
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