Bhopal, April 9 (IANS) The proposed rollout of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Madhya Pradesh has triggered fresh political confrontation, with the Congress raising concerns over its impact on Dalit and tribal communities in the state.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in State Assembly and veteran Congress leader, Umang Singhar, on Thursday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government’s intent and preparedness regarding the proposed law.
During an interaction with the reporters in Bhopal, LoP Singhar demanded clarity on whether Dalits and tribal communities would be brought under the UCC and how their traditional practices would be protected.
He cautioned that any move to enforce a uniform legal structure without safeguarding constitutional protection of these communities could lead to injustice.
He said the Congress would strongly oppose any attempt that undermines the identity and rights of marginalised groups.
LoP Singhar, who belongs to the tribal community from the Dhar district, made this remark a day after the state government indicated that the efforts to introduce the UCC in the state has accelerated and a draft bill will be prepared within six months.
A state-level committee is likely to be formed soon, which will study the UCC bills of Gujarat and Uttarakhand, including what was the process adopted by them, how it was implemented and other associated aspects.
The Opposition Congress, however, has said that such a significant legal reform requires wider consultations with stakeholders, particularly communities that could be directly affected.
Alongside the UCC issue, LoP Singhar also attacked the state government over delays in wheat procurement across the state.
He alleged that farmers are struggling to sell their produce due to poor arrangements at procurement centres, contradicting official claims of smooth operations.
Linking both issues, LoP Singhar said they reflect governance gaps affecting vulnerable sections.
He stressed that while tribal communities face uncertainty over their rights under the UCC, farmers are dealing with immediate economic distress.
The twin concerns, the LoP said, highlight the need for transparency, better planning, and timely intervention by the state government.
–IANS
pd/khz