Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Jul 2: "The proposed implementation of uniform civil code in the country is part of BJP's vote bank politics as five state assembly elections are nearing," said Janardhan Poojary, former union minister and Congress leader in a press meet at the district Congress office, here on Saturday July 2.
"Implementation of uniform civil code in our country is not possible because we have many religions and thousands of castes. Every religion has its unique tradition and rituals. In this context, how can one impose uniform rules and regulations to all? People of one religion cannot compel the people of other religion to follow their rules. The BJP-led government is trying to divide the country and gain votes,” Poojary said.
“During the time of framing the Constitution, the drafting committee was aware that this situation could arise in the future and hence nowhere has there been a mention of the uniform civil code. Even union law minister D V Sadananda Gowda has said that more time is required to discuss the uniform civil code.
"Deciding about a religion's tradition is the duty of the leaders of that religion. If a few people have issues with 'Talaq' (divorce) and other matters, they must discuss it with their religious leaders. If the religious leaders after holding the discussion urge the government for a change of rules, then let the government do it. Let them not impose the rules on anybody. Otherwise the proposed step by the government will destroy not only harmony in the country but also our unity in diversity," Poojary opined.
Malegaon blasts
Poojary alleged that the union government was trying to protect Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and was supporting the right-wing organizations to help her get acquitted in the Malegaon blasts case.
“Even the magistrate court and the high court concerned have pointed out that there is sufficient evidence to get her convicted and hence have denied her bail. People are trying get her acquitted in the case like they helped five others. The union government must not support this," he said.
On Siddaramaiah's leadership
Asked about attempts by a few Congress leaders to bring down chief minister Siddaramaiah, Poojary said, "He must continue as the chief minister for 10-15 years as he has implemented many projects for the poor.
"If change is inevitable, which leader in the state Congress has the dedication and commitment that Siddaramaiah has?" he questioned.
'No suitcase culture in the state Congress'
When asked about the allegations that 'suitcase culture' has crept into the state government, he said that he has worked with Digvijay Singh in AICC. "I know how he works and what his ethics are. Suitcase will come nowhere close to him," he asserted.
Asked about the demand by the Billava leaders for the ministerial post, he said that demanding power and facilities are their right. "The high command will decide on that," he said.
Regarding allegations that Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes had a hand in dropping Sorake from the cabinet, Poojary said that it was not true.
Former mayor of MCC Mahabala Maarla, former deputy mayor Purushottham Chitrapur, leaders Kallige Tharanatha Shetty, T K Sudhir and others were present.