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Daljeet Singh Cheema speaks to The Indian Express on the push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), how it will affect his party’s chances of revival of its alliance with BJP for 2024, the risk of more disturbance at a time when the Northeast is seeing unrest, and why Sikhs can’t assume the issue doesn’t affect them. Excerpts:
* What is your party’s stand on a UCC?
Cheema: We strongly oppose it. The social fabric of the country — unity in diversity — should not be broken. There are different cultures and religions. Implementing UCC is not possible anyway. All civil laws have roots in religious scriptures. It is a sensitive issue. The last Law Commission had given clear consultation, stating that UCC is neither desirable nor feasible. Imposing UCC will create unnecessary tension in the country. Peace will be disrupted and people’s distrust in the system would be incentivised. If there is any clause in the existing law that is unjust with regards to any religion, that clause can be amended. During the drafting of the Constitution, the implementation of UCC was debated, but at that time it was kept in the Directive Principles, as freedom of religion was considered more important.
* How, according to SAD, would UCC affect the Sikhs? We already know Muslims feel it would affect them.
Cheema: We are also part of the same country whose basic concept regarding diversity you want to change. We are a community that believes in Sarbat Da Bhala (May Everyone Prosper). Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib sacrificed his life for the freedom of someone else’s religion. So, it is our duty as Sikhs to oppose any wrongful act, and to object if wrong is done to any religion.
* Any example of how it affects Sikhs in practice?
Cheema: For example, what would happen to the Anand Marriage Act (for Sikhs) after UCC? It would be shooting in the dark if we were to say that UCC doesn’t affect us. They (the BJP) have an absolute majority, and we don’t know what they are going to do. One country, one law makes no sense. Our Constitution accepts diversity.
* It’s said that UCC is a dispute between India’s two largest majorities, into which Sikhs have got drawn for no reason.
Cheema: It is not about becoming a party in the dispute. Sikhs are equal citizens in this country, and they should equally worry about its problems. When you talk about changing the social fabric of the country, it affects all religions.
* Does SAD’s opposition to UCC hurt the possibility of an alliance with the BJP before the 2024 general elections?
Cheema: For us, principles come first. Everything else comes second. We are very clear to say no to what is wrong. It is more important for us to support what is right. There is no double standard. The man who claimed to be the founder of reformed politics, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, was the first to support UCC. We have also told (Punjab Chief Minister) Bhagwant Mann, who had claimed he would take everyone along, that they (AAP) have been exposed, and are no different.
* SAD and BJP have always had differences, but your alliance broke over farm law reforms. Is UCC as serious a disagreement, or can you come together in the near future while maintaining different positions over UCC?
Cheema: There is no use discussing it today. We have taken a clear stand on a new policy that the Union government is bringing. It is our duty, and this should be appreciated. There is already unrest in the northeastern states. If such issues as UCC are introduced, it is not positive for the country.
* The SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) has accused the RSS and BJP of trying to polarise and divide India with UCC. Does your party also believe the RSS is involved in this?
Cheema: UCC has to be implemented by the Union government, not by any organisation. The Prime Minister himself is leading the UCC campaign, so we are pointing out who is leading it.
* Is the BJP trying to polarise its vote bank and disregard other issues you mentioned?
Cheema: Not only the BJP, but also the AAP is trying to engage in politics of polarisation. Both are taking the same line. One brought up the issue, the other extended ‘in principle’ support to it. We are against UCC in principle, and we will oppose it in our suggestions to the Law Commission.
* Any suggestions for the Union government on UCC?
Cheema: We want to ask if there is any loss in not implementing UCC? What is the hurry to do something that may weaken society? There are pressing issues like unemployment, poverty, inequality and hunger. The focus should be on these real issues, instead of polarising society.
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