Centre rebukes AIMPLB for trying to 'politicise' Uniform Civil Code issue, says don't call PM Narendra Modi dictator

New Delhi: In the face of strong opposition to Uniform Civil Code by Muslim organisations and various political outfits, Union Minister of Urban Development Venakaiah Naidu, Friday, said the government is ready for a healthy debate.

Briefing the press, the Union Minister objected to All India Muslim Personal Law Board's stand to boycott the questionnaire of Law Commission on UCC saying, it is 'dictatorial attitude'.

"You (All India Muslim Personal Law Board) join the debate. Let there be enlightened debate you put forth your point of view. Let a consensus be evolved. Why are you trying to bring in the name of Prime Minister and call him dictator," Naidu told reporters.

“If anyone wants to boycott the Law Commission's questionnaire, then it's their choice, but don't force your view on others,” Naidu firmly said.

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader appealed to all organisations to engage in a debate and not politicise the Uniform Civil Code issue.

While emphasising on having a debate on UCC, Naidu said government's sole objective is to ensure equality for all, dignity of woman and gender justice.

Naidu said some people were confusing the issue of triple talaq with Uniform Civil Code.

"The real mood of the country is that people want this triple talaq to end. People do not want any discrimination on basis of any religious faith against women. As I told you the issues are gender justice, non-discrimination and dignity of women," he said.

"Nothing will be imposed on people, everything will be finalised after reaching a consensus," the Union Minister stated.

He slammed the personalities who were trying to drag Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name into the whole episode.

Naidu's comments come a day after, the Law Commission's decision to invite views on the contentious UCC yesterday drew criticism from the AIMPLB and other Muslim organisations which said they will boycott it and accused the Modi government of waging a "war" against the community.

"We will boycott this questionnaire. No Muslim will respond to it because it is misleading and deceitful. The Uniform Civil Code is divisive and will lead to social unrest," AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Wali Rahmani told the media.

Centrist parties like Congress and JD(U) said the idea of UCC was "unimplementable" and accused the BJP-led government of trying to polarise the people ahead of the assembly polls in several states, including key battle ground state Uttar Pradesh.

The developments come days after the Union government told the Supreme Court that 'triple talaq', 'nikaah halaal' and polygamy were not integral to the practice of Islam or essential religious practices.

Subsequently, the Law Commission on October 7 put up on its website a questionnaire, comprising of 16 questions, to seek public opinion on the civil code issue.