Parties join chorus against uniform code

CHENNAI: All mainstream political parties, including the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK, joined the chorus against the imposition of uniform civil code (UCC) in the country.

Addressing a meet against UCC organised by various Islamic organisations held here on Sunday, they reiterated their opposition to the move of the Centre to force the common code upon the Muslims and the Prime Minister to concentrate on developmental programmes.

Senior leader of AIADMK and MP S Anwar Raja said his party would raise the issue on the floor of Parliament. “The late Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa, opposed the UCC in a strong manner. Following in her footsteps, the AIADMK will register its opposition to the common code in Parliament,” he told the gathering.

Talking tough on the issue, DMK’s deputy general secretary VP Duraisamy said, “The country’s strength lies in diversity. If the UCC is brought into force, it will harm the religious sentiments of Muslims and trigger destabilisation of harmony.” 

S Thirunavukkarasar, president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, said, “The Congress will never allow BJP-led government to implement the UCC.” He also noted that personal laws are in existence not only for Muslims but also for other religions in the country.

Assailing the BJP for announcing its intentions to bring in the common code to extract political mileage, GK Vasan, president of Tamil Maanila Congress (TMCC) told, “BJP is trying to cause division among the people in view of the polls in certain states.”