In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across India, arguing that laws dividing the country along religious lines have no place in a modern society. Emphasizing the constitutional backing and the Supreme Court’s repeated calls for a UCC, Modi described it as a long-standing aspiration of the nation’s founders.
The Prime Minister urged for widespread discussions and encouraged the public to share their opinions on the matter, signaling the government’s intent to address this contentious issue on a national level during its current term. Modi’s remarks align with the BJP’s broader agenda, as outlined in their election manifesto, and echo steps already taken by several BJP-led state governments toward implementing a UCC.
According to Modi, a secular civil code would help eliminate religious discrimination, fulfilling the vision of a modern, unified India. However, the proposal remains deeply divisive, sparking strong opinions on both sides of the debate.