LUDHIANA NEWS: Tewari asks Akalis to clarify stand on Uniform Civil Code as advocated by Modi

Ludhiana, July 1, 2013: Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari today asked the ruling Akali Dal in Punjab to spell out its stand on the Uniform Civil Code vis-a-vis the assertion of the chairman of the campaign committee of its alliance partner Narendra Modi.

He also asked the Akalis to clarify their position about the BJP’s stand seeking abrogation of the Article 370 that ultimately aims at undermining the principles of federalism, which they (the Akalis) claim are so dear to them.

Addressing a function after inaugurating a tube-well in Ward 35 on Gujjar Mal Road, here today, Tewari said, these issues assume importance since the BJP’s campaign committee chairman asserted this all in Punjab itself and that too at a function presided over by the Akali stalwart and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal himself.

The Union Minister said, the people of the country in general and Punjab in particular want to know from Badal as how does he view Modi’s stand on the Uniform Civil Code and the Article 370 since it aims at undermining the diversity and distinct identities of the people and challenges the very idea of India.

“When Modi advocates a Uniform Civil Code he by implication means abrogation of Anand Marriage Act and other laws that safeguard the distinct identity of different religious groups”, he pointed out, while expressing surprise as how Badal not only did not react, rather glorified Modi.

He observed, the Akalis who have been masquerading as the saviours and protectors of the minorities owe an explanation to the people, particularly the minorities as what makes them turn a blind eye to such assertions that threaten to undermine the unity in diversity.

Having a dig at Modi, Tewari asked, it is so ridiculously surprising that he was speaking against terror in presence of the same Akalis who had supported, condoned, endorsed and glorified terrorism whenever it suited their convenience. “This either betrays their (BJP’s) double standards or lack of moral courage to call spade a spade”, he remarked

Among others present on the occasion included former minister and sitting MLA Rakesh Pandey, Ludhiana District Congress Committee president Pawan Dewan, Opposition leader in MC Hemraj Aggarwal, PCC Secretary Parminder Mehta and others.