Sriangar Sep 14 (KNS): National Conference leader and Rajya Sabha MP Shammi Oberoi on Monday said any move to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be brought through Parliament and not through the “backdoor” by implementing it in states ruled by the BJP.

Speaking on the proposed UCC, Oberoi said India was a diverse nation with distinct cultural identities and religious traditions, and these freedoms should not be compromised.

“If the Centre has to bring it, then it should bring it through Parliament. There is no point in bringing it through the backdoor,” he said.

The NC leader said Parliament was the supreme authority to pass such laws and called for wider consultation before taking any decision on the issue.

He said the government should constitute a committee, consult political parties and convene an all-party meeting to discuss the proposed legislation.

“Our country is very diverse. There are different religions. I am a Sardar, I have my own way, and the religions of Muslims are different. This freedom of religion and cultural freedom should not be compromised at all,” Oberoi said.

Asked about the possibility of UCC being implemented in BJP-ruled states and the need for a strategy by the INDIA bloc and opposition parties, Oberoi said there should be a detailed discussion both within Parliament and the opposition alliance.

“There should be a discussion in Parliament as well. According to me, they should have a meeting in the INDIA Alliance and discuss it,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Oberoi said a representation should be submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlining the opposition’s concerns and seeking consultation before any decision was taken.

“Our thoughts should be taken into consideration. They should consult us, and a decision should be taken after that,” he said.

Asked whether the National Conference would write to the INDIA bloc or seek a meeting on the issue, Oberoi said the party would raise the matter with the alliance.

“We will definitely suggest to the INDIA Alliance. We have five MPs, and the INDIA Alliance calls a meeting on its own. But we will definitely keep this matter with them and try to have a discussion on this,” he said.

He also called for a meeting with the Home Minister to deliberate on the proposed law.

On the possible drawbacks of implementing the UCC, Oberoi said the move could affect cultural and religious freedoms.

“Our cultural and religious freedoms will definitely have an effect on this,” he said.

The NC leader said if the government wanted to introduce such legislation, it should ensure that people were able to follow their respective religions independently.

He further stressed that federalism was central to India’s political and constitutional framework.

“Our country is alive only on federalism,” Oberoi said.(KNS)