Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday asserted that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would help prevent crimes like the infamous Shraddha Walkar murder case in Delhi.
He highlighted that a key provision of the UCC mandates the disclosure of live-in relationships to families, which he believes will enhance safety and accountability.
The Shraddha Walkar case, which shook the nation in May 2022, involved the brutal murder of 25-year-old Shraddha by her live-in partner, Aftab. He allegedly sawed her body into pieces, stored them in a refrigerator for nearly three weeks, and disposed of them over several days. Dhami emphasised that laws like the UCC could serve as preventive measures against such heinous crimes.
Speaking at an event at Invertis University in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where he was honored for implementing the UCC in Uttarakhand, Dhami dedicated the recognition to the people of his state. Holding up a ceremonial mace presented to him, he described the UCC as a transformative step toward women's empowerment and the protection of children born out of live-in relationships.
Targeting opposition parties, the chief minister accused them of using people solely for electoral gains while failing to implement meaningful reforms.
He claimed that many Muslim women had expressed their gratitude to the BJP government following the enactment of the UCC. Reaffirming his commitment to making Uttarakhand a model state, he assured that the new law would be effectively enforced.
Dhami also expressed confidence that the impact of the UCC would not be limited to Uttarakhand but would gradually spread across the country. Drawing a parallel with the river Ganga, which originates from Gangotri and nourishes the entire nation, he said the UCC would eventually be adopted nationwide.
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Clarifying that the UCC is not directed against any religion or community, he stated that the law would help resolve inheritance disputes and contribute significantly to women's empowerment. Speaking to the media, Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the successful implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand.
Taking a swipe at Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Dhami pointed out that during the tenures of Yadav and his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Ram temple remained unbuilt, and karsevaks were fired upon. He emphasized the principle of 'One Nation, One Law,' asserting that the UCC aligns with India's constitutional framework and the vision of development under Prime Minister Modi.
Dhami highlighted the BJP government’s role in implementing long-awaited reforms, including the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram temple, the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the banning of triple talaq—major decisions that have materialized since 2014.
Discussing the roadmap for the UCC, Dhami recalled that the BJP had promised its implementation in Uttarakhand during the 2022 assembly elections. Breaking the long-standing trend of alternating governments, the people of Uttarakhand re-elected the BJP, enabling the fulfillment of this pledge.
"We do what we promise," he remarked, declaring Uttarakhand the first state to enact a uniform civil code for all residents, irrespective of religion or caste.
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When asked about being referred to as a 'Hindu Hriday Samrat' (Emperor of Hindu Hearts), Dhami dismissed such titles, describing himself as a simple party worker focused on fulfilling his responsibilities. Coming from a military family, he reflected on the challenges he has witnessed and stressed that he believes in delivering results rather than seeking recognition.
Addressing critics of the UCC, he said those who reject constitutional provisions and governance structures are "anti-system and anti-Constitution elements" who fail to respect Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision. He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas.'
On the exclusion of tribal communities and the inclusion of Muslims under the UCC, Dhami explained that the Constitution grants special provisions to tribal groups due to their distinct customs and way of life.
He underscored that Uttarakhand’s UCC was drafted after extensive consultations, engaging over 2.36 lakh people, as well as political parties, religious organizations, and tribal representatives.
Acknowledging that legal frameworks evolve over time, he noted that the Modi government has already simplified several laws and repealed outdated ones to enhance governance. The event was attended by Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam and Invertis University Chancellor Parth Gautam, among other dignitaries.
Also Read: Uttarakhand CM Dhami extends wishes for Chaitra Navratri
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