Former Union Minister P Chidambaram has raised concerns over the BJP’s manifesto, particularly regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating it could deepen divisions among communities in India. Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks branding the Congress as the ‘sultan of the tukde-tukde gang,’ Chidambaram highlighted potential repercussions of the BJP’s proposed UCC.
Chidambaram emphasized that the BJP’s UCC proposal might exacerbate tensions between different communities, leading to hate speeches, resentment, and conflict. He argued that while the BJP accuses Congress of attempting to divide the country whenever faced with opposition, it is their manifesto that could sow seeds of discord.
PM Modi, in a rally in Karnataka, accused the Congress of harboring intentions to fragment the nation. However, Chidambaram countered by pointing out BJP’s own divisive actions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He accused the BJP of breaking up J&K into three parts, highlighting the controversial decisions’ repercussions.
The BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections pledges to implement a UCC if returned to power. It asserts that gender equality cannot be achieved without a UCC that safeguards women’s rights. However, Chidambaram criticized this stance, cautioning against the potential fallout of such a move.
Additionally, Chidambaram addressed the BJP’s dropping of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) from its manifesto, attributing it to widespread opposition. He highlighted the failure of the NRC exercise in Assam, which led to the creation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to accommodate Hindu migrants.
Chidambaram concluded by warning against the ramifications of the BJP’s policies, urging voters to scrutinize their promises closely. He emphasized the need for policies that foster unity and inclusivity rather than exacerbating divisions within society.
In light of these criticisms and counterarguments, the upcoming general elections are poised to be a battleground of competing ideologies, with the BJP’s manifesto drawing both support and scrutiny from various quarters.
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