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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Govt assures swift UCC implementation

Mumbai: Maharashtra government unequivocally declared its commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the state, assuring the legislative assembly that a comprehensive legal framework is already in the advanced stages of formulation. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam categorically stated on the floor of the House on Tuesday that the ruling Mahayuti administration is entirely positive about the swift introduction of the Uniform Civil Code to standardize personal laws. To...

Govt assures swift UCC implementation

Mumbai: Maharashtra government unequivocally declared its commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the state, assuring the legislative assembly that a comprehensive legal framework is already in the advanced stages of formulation. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam categorically stated on the floor of the House on Tuesday that the ruling Mahayuti administration is entirely positive about the swift introduction of the Uniform Civil Code to standardize personal laws. To facilitate this monumental legislative transition, the state government has formally sanctioned the constitution of a dedicated expert committee, which is being spearheaded by a retired High Court judge. This committee has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of meticulously preparing the draft bill for the Uniform Civil Code, which the government intends to enact immediately upon the submission of the final report. Emphasising the overarching objectives of the proposed legislation, Kadam noted that the Uniform Civil Code would universally apply to every citizen irrespective of their religious affiliations and would explicitly incorporate a stringent ban on the controversial practice of polygamy. The minister drew direct parallels with the legislative measures recently adopted by states like Uttarakhand, underscoring that the impending law in Maharashtra would similarly entail severe penal consequences, potentially including imprisonment for up to seven years for violations related to polygamy and illegal divorce practices. He firmly maintained that the government’s approach is fundamentally secular, harboring no animosity toward any specific religion, but is rather driven by the constitutional imperative to extend equal rights, legal protection, and comprehensive justice to women from all communities. This definitive policy assurance from the government was catalysed by a highly volatile calling attention motion initiated by BJP legislator Devyani Farande, which thrust the deeply sensitive issues of triple talaq and polygamy into the center of the assembly’s monsoon session. Farande brought the ongoing plight of Muslim women to the immediate attention of the House, asserting that despite the central government’s strict legislative prohibition, the illegal practice of instant divorce continues to flourish unabated.

Raj plays hide and seek with Uddhav, meets CM

Mumbai: Amid widespread speculation over rapprochement between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his politically estranged cousin Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, the later had a hush-hush meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday leading to another wave of speculations that the MNS might actually be joining the Mahayuti.


The meeting, which was neither pre-announced nor part of either leader’s official schedule, took place at the Taj Lands End in Bandra and lasted over an hour. The leaders are believed to have explored the possibility of including the MNS in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti coalition and a seat adjustment. Neither Fadnavis nor Thackeray commented on the meeting.


For almost past two months, the Thackeray brother had been exchanging emotional appeals, symbolic gestures, and strategic signalling leading to speculation of rapprochement between the estranged Thackeray brothers. However, after the banners were put up, two days back, greeting Aaditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on their birthdays (13 and 14 June respectively) together, Raj, on Wednesday suddenly announced that he won’t be celebrating his birthday this year. His meeting with CM Fadnavis on that backdrop of his sudden U-turn has shocked many of his supporters and many of the Shiv Sena (UBT) sympathisers who had been hoping for reunion of the two Thackerays.


Possible scenario that may emerge now are as follows –

1. MNS joins Mahayuti – Will weaken the Marathi Manoos appeal of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and pave way for Mahayuti sweeping the local bodies repeating its performance in assembly last year.


2. MNS joins Shiv Sena (UBT) – Might help the Shiv Sena (UBT) build its appeal and put-up face against the mighty Mahayuti alliance.


3. MNS decides to go solo like in 2004 assembly elections – Will help the Mahayuti as the MNS has almost the same electoral base as that of the Shiv Sena (UBT).


4. MNS doesn’t join the Mahayuti but enters in strategic alliance at some places – Likely to be most detrimental scenario for the Shiv Sena (UBT).

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