New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi emphasized on Wednesday that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) must occur only after comprehensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders and communities. She highlighted the necessity of including every segment of society prior to enacting such a pivotal legal transformation.

Her comments followed a recent endorsement from the Supreme Court for the concept of “one nation, one law,” suggesting that a Uniform Civil Code could effectively combat the ongoing discrimination against women concerning marriage, inheritance, and property rights as governed by Muslim personal law and other traditional laws.

In an interview with IANS, Chaturvedi pointed out that although the aim of a uniform legal framework is equality, the execution of such a law must be handled inclusively and with care.

“Prior to the UCC's implementation, it is crucial to engage multiple stakeholders and ensure that every part of society is included. Under the pretense of the UCC, we must avoid further polarization within educational institutions or society, as witnessed during the discussions regarding the UGC guidelines,” she stated.

She acknowledged the Supreme Court’s commitment to the principle of equal laws and opportunities for all citizens, but stressed that the government must guarantee transparency and encourage broader discussions before launching any such initiative.

“The goal of providing equal laws and opportunities for all is vital. However, it has been observed that the current administration often rolls out laws that, while well-intentioned, can appear to be politically driven in their execution. Therefore, engaging with stakeholders is essential. Building trust among all communities is imperative before undertaking any major legal reform,” she told IANS.

Chaturvedi raised concerns regarding comments made by Union Minister Piyush Goyal about the India–US trade deal and the situation surrounding Russian oil imports.

“When asked if India assured the United States it would cease purchasing Russian oil during the signing of the India–US trade deal, Goyal replied that it was not under his purview and that inquiries should be directed to the External Affairs Ministry. He also claimed he neither buys nor sells oil,” she remarked.

She criticized this response, asserting that the government must clarify the matter.

“He should first clarify whether this issue falls within his responsibilities. People need to understand whether India has compromised its stance on Russian oil purchases. The government should explicitly state if any commitments have been made to the United States,” she expressed.

In response to reports regarding Opposition parties potentially initiating a no-confidence motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Chaturvedi accused various institutions of favoring the ruling party.

“The functioning of the Election Commission raises significant concerns. It appears to be aligning with the agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Similar apprehensions have previously been voiced regarding agencies like the ED, CBI, and the Income Tax Department,” she commented.

She further alleged that voters supporting Opposition parties are being removed from electoral rolls.

“When inquiries are made about the election process or the Election Commission's operations, responses from authorities often suggest they are safeguarding the ruling party. This is the reason why Opposition leaders have signed a no-confidence motion against the Chief Election Commissioner,” Chaturvedi told IANS.