Fadnavis defends UCC decision, accuses Oppn of provoking street protests

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state's move to draft a Uniform Civil Code, saying it is a constitutional responsibility under the Directive Principles of State Policy. He accused the Opposition of undermining democratic institutions, dismissed criticism from Asaduddin Owaisi and Rahul Gandhi, and said the government was prepared to counter protests over the issue.

Mumbai:  Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday defended his government’s decision to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asserting that the Constitution itself directs states to work towards its implementation.

Hitting back at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Fadnavis said that the UCC is rooted in the Directive Principles of State Policy and alleged that the Opposition was trying to orchestrate street protests similar to those seen in neighbouring countries.

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“Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution has given us fundamental rights and incorporated Directive Principles of State Policy. One of these directives says every state should bring a Uniform Civil Code. Who has written this? The Constitution of India. It is a constitutional responsibility,” he said.

The chief minister said that Directive Principles were not enforceable by the courts like fundamental rights, as their implementation required time and consensus among people.

“If Owaisi had read the Constitution a little, he would not have said that we are bringing this outside its framework or considering ourselves bigger than the Constitution. The Constitution itself has directed us to do this,” he said.

He further dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that the BJP was undermining democratic institutions and was afraid of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, accusing the Opposition of deliberately creating distrust in constitutional bodies.

Fadnavis claimed the Opposition was following a strategy of questioning and demonising every institution, including the Supreme Court, Election Commission, Parliament, CAG and RBI, to create a conspiracy narrative and undermine public faith in them.

“The ultimate aim is to create a situation where people believe that the institutions created by the Constitution cannot deliver justice or protect them,” he said.

The BJP leader alleged that the Opposition wanted to bring about a political system similar to those in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

“We believe decisions should be taken in Parliament. But if they have decided not to debate there and fight on the streets, we are also ready to take to the streets and expose them,” he said, adding that the protests would have no impact.

On the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act introduced to curb urban Naxalism, Fadnavis said it had been enacted only recently, and its implementation was still in the early stages.

“The law has just been implemented. Work under it has only begun. Before Maharashtra, nine states had enacted similar laws and benefited from them,” he said.

Fadnavis further said that the Mumbai Police’s SIT had submitted its report on the Disha Salian case after examining available evidence and found nothing suspicious.

“The investigation began very late. Therefore, the police can ultimately act only on the evidence available to them. The Mumbai Police submitted its SIT report based on its findings. Since the court found certain deficiencies, it has also asked the CBI to investigate,” he said.

Asked whether it was easier to govern Maharashtra with two parties in the previous government or three parties in the current Mahayuti dispensation, Fadnavis said political challenges were part of governance.

He added that working with two chief ministers had given him considerable experience.