PM Modi highlights Pasmanda Muslim struggles, calls for Uniform Civil Code

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code and voiced his strong opposition against ‘Triple Talaq’ in a speech delivered in Bhopal on Tuesday.

He questioned the need for ‘Triple Talaq’ in India when Islamic countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, and Bangladesh have abandoned the practice. He added that Egypt discontinued the practice decades ago, expressing concern over its usage to perpetuate discrimination against Muslim women in India.

Modi also criticized the opposition’s efforts to unite, hinting at alleged scams involving parties like DMK and TMC. He claimed their unity, or ‘jugalbandi’, stemmed from a shared fear of investigations into these allegations. In his commentary on the Uniform Civil Code, Modi implied that certain political parties might be exploiting Indian Muslim sentiments for political gain, inciting them against the proposed legislation.

Indian PM Modi advocates for Uniform Civil Code and criticizes ‘Triple Talaq’ support. Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office/Wikimedia Commons.

He highlighted the plight of Pasmanda Muslims, who, according to him, suffer from discrimination, with their struggles largely ignored due to vote bank politics. Modi reassured that the BJP’s outreach program for the community, launched last year, seeks to rectify this situation through its ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ (everyone’s progress together) mindset. He asserted that this approach, when conveyed by BJP booth workers to Muslim communities, would dispel any misunderstandings.

In light of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Modi voiced his confidence in BJP’s victory and alleged that fear of this outcome prompted the opposition to employ underhanded tactics, including false allegations, to secure power.

Post the inauguration of five Vande Bharat trains from Bhopal’s Kamlapati Railway station, Modi addressed BJP booth workers across India via video conferencing. He hailed these workers as the party’s “biggest power” and emphasized the significance of their role in shaping the Central government’s policies. Additionally, he praised Madhya Pradesh’s significant contribution in making BJP the largest political party globally.

Modi concluded his address by thanking BJP national president J P Nadda, the central, and state governments for organizing the booth workers event, calling it an unprecedented grassroots level initiative in the history of any political party.