Its time for Modi to decide on uniform civil code

Aditya Satsangi

In its second tenure, the Modi government has completed its 180 days fulfilling its poll promise by taking intense action on Article 370, Citizen Amendment Act (CAA), Ram Temple. Most of the Hindu Indians believe that Congress would not have been able to take these steps if they would have been ruling. Mostly Hindus felt and treated as the second class citizen during Congress government tenure. This Modi government has resolved more of such contentious issues and delivered of its poll promises. 

From an Americas’ perspective, the US-India ties have never been better. Most Americans, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, have embraced India’s role in the multi-polar world. The rebranding of Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific was a Trump card in all its connotations. Prime Minister Modi and Trump’s chemistry played an essential role in improving the deadlock. In today’s new political order, every nation has to take sides in favour of a powerful ally. As much as the US discovered a new decisive leader in Modi, Modi found a new acceptance as a Statesman in American politics. As Hindu Americans rise in American politics, this bonhomie is going to get stronger within the coming decade. For the US to retain global leadership, it needs India and likewise for India. India’s near future also depends on collaboration and cooperation with the US. That foundation is already laid by Modi and Trump. As the two largest democracies, India and the US are natural partners at the world stage. 

In the Middle East, Israel has found a new decisive leader in Modi. Netanyahu and Modi’s combination has brought a new life in Israel and the US. Israel has benefitted Modi has won hearts in many of the OIC (Organization of Islamic countries) member states. Needless to state that they look for Indian Military cooperation for their security. They also look for Indian purchase of their oil to maintain their current economy.

British elections have again thrown a popular leader in Boris Johnson who has ignited and motivated British Nationalists in no small extent. It remains to be seen how Modi-Boris relations play out. Nevertheless, so far, everything looks good. India’s relations with the UK depend on good relations with the US. 

For nations, timing is all that matters for the collective wellbeing of the country. Modi has shown his natural talent in picking the right time for all courageous decisions for India.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is another issue which most Indians connected. UCC is the ongoing point of debate regarding the Indian constitution’s mandate to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen. Article 44 of the Directive Principles expects the state to apply these while formulating policies for the country. The debate is about Muslim Personal Law, which is partially based on the Sharia law, permitting unilateral divorce, polygamy and putting it among the legally applying the Sharia law.

Hindus of India are traumatized by the secular parties of India who only speak of the rights of Muslims. Soul of India is the culture of Sanatana Dharma. If that culture is not given it its due importance, then India will suffer and the aspirations of a billion Indians. Timely decisions and their implementation are all important for a nation-state that will help India in the long term. It will help India to grow faster in the near and long term future. Manufactured protests by political opponents will continue to be guided by their Ummah. Nevertheless, the caravan must move on. History will always judge Modi favourably in that he single-handedly became an icon for a resurgent Hindu. 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the author are personal and are not intended to hurt any sentiments.