“Very Seriously” Considering Uniform Civil Code: Chief Minister of Karnataka

Bangalore:

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said today that the state government is considering “very seriously” the implementation of a uniform civil code – a controversial issue among Muslims as it will abolish religion-specific laws. Addressing party workers in Shivamogga district, he said the state must have it.

“We are thinking very seriously about one of the key points of the BJP Manifesto at the level of the whole India, which is the Unified Civil Code. Committees are being formed on this in various states. Even we are examining it and studying its aspects. We think it’s important to implement it,” he said.

Investigating the controversy over the voter roll review, Mr Bommai said the investigation will be conducted in an impartial manner and any officer, organization or agency found guilty will be punished.

Speaking to reporters after hurling the statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar on the occasion of Constitution Day here on Saturday, he said: “Several persons have already been arrested in this regard and investigation of officials is ongoing. will welcome it”.

Karnataka will go to the polls in May 2023. Prime Minister Bommai said the elections will be held in a free and fair manner. “We will welcome certain steps, such as correcting where the names have been deliberately removed, in two or three places, despite the person having a voter ID.”

Congress had alleged last week that a private agency in Bengaluru was collecting voter data and that this information was being misused by the state government, in violation of the standards of the Election Commission of India (ECI). It also claimed that thousands of voters’ names had been removed along with the collection of personal data including phone numbers and email IDs, raising privacy concerns.

BJP and Congress have accused each other of data theft and voter expulsion. The ruling party said Congress is to blame, as it first used the agency’s services when it was in power.

During its campaigns, the BJP has promised a uniform civil code in all states where elections are to be held.