Amit Shah Advocates for Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation One Election' in India

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Union Home Minister Amit Shah discussed the BJP's mission for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, advocating for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and 'One Nation One Election ' in India. Shah argued that all democratic countries have a Uniform Civil Code and the moment is right for India to follow suit.

Shah questioned why India should be run based on Sharia or personal laws, stating that no democratic country in the world has such laws. He pointed out that the UCC was a promise made by the Constituent Assembly when the Constitution was being drafted. The Home Minister emphasized that the BJP wants these measures to be implemented in the country and has mentioned them in the party's manifesto.

Regarding the timeline for implementing 'One Nation One Election', Shah did not provide a specific date but said the BJP would "definitely support" it along with the Uniform Civil Code. He explained that the idea of simultaneous elections is not new and was followed for two decades until Indira Gandhi called for mid-term polls in 1971, leading to a mismatch in poll schedules.

Shah referred to a committee report suggesting that 'One Nation One Election' should be held, where polling is done once and the next five years are dedicated to the nation's development. He dismissed claims that the BJP wants to nationalize local elections, stating that the public knows who to vote for at the top and state level, and there will be separate ballot boxes, candidates, and manifestos. Shah argued that the move would save money and time spent on holding multiple elections.

Why this matters: The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation One Election' in India would have significant implications for the country's legal and electoral systems. These proposed changes have the potential to reshape the political landscape and impact the lives of citizens across the nation.

During the interview, Shah also touched on the BJP's 'Mission 400 paar' for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the party's ambitions for a strong performance in 2024. The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections saw over 50% voter turnout till 3 pm in 102 constituencies across 21 states, with some stray incidents of violence reported in West Bengal and Manipur.

Key Takeaways

• Amit Shah advocates for Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation One Election' in India.
• Shah argues that no democratic country has Sharia or personal laws, and UCC is a constitutional promise.
• BJP supports 'One Nation One Election' to save time and money spent on multiple polls.
• Shah dismisses claims of nationalizing local elections, says public knows who to vote for at each level.
• BJP aims for 'Mission 400 paar' in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with over 50% voter turnout in first phase.