Bhopal, Aug 30 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Umang Singhar, on Sunday made a significant political announcement on the Uniform Civil Code, declaring that a Congress government, if formed in 2028, would scrap what he termed the “draconian law” of the UCC.
Speaking at the “Jang-e-Azadi-Ulema ki Qurbani” programme organised by MLA Arif Masood in Bhopal, Singhar said the Uniform Civil Code law would be abolished once Congress returns to power.
His statement has once again brought the contentious issue to the centre of Madhya Pradesh politics.
The political conflict over the UCC intensified after the Madhya Pradesh government cleared the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 in a special Cabinet meeting on July 20. The Bill was passed by the Assembly the next day, on July 21.
Congress MLAs had demanded that it be referred to a Select Committee, triggering uproar in the House. Key provisions of the legislation include a ban on polygamy, compulsory registration of marriages, and mandatory registration of cohabiting relationships. Scheduled Tribes have been kept outside its ambit.
The Uniform Civil Code seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a common legal framework covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, adoption and related family matters. While Article 44 of the Constitution directs the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens, the provision remains part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have raised several concerns. They argue that a uniform law could adversely affect the religious and traditional practices of different communities. Questions have also been raised about its impact on the customs and constitutional safeguards of tribal societies.
The state government, however, maintains that a uniform code will ensure equal rights for all citizens and provide greater legal protection to women in matters of marriage, divorce and property. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has supported the UCC, linking it to equality and social harmony.
–IANS
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