Satish Poonia backs UCC, urges one law for all citizens in India
Synopsis
BJP's Satish Poonia used a Jodhpur press address to make a forceful pitch for the Uniform Civil Code, arguing that equal rights demand equal laws. His simultaneous defence of delimitation and attack on Congress leaders signals a coordinated BJP push to frame both issues as constitutional — not communal — ahead of a politically charged season.
Key Takeaways
Rajya Sabha MP Satish Poonia backed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at a press address in Jodhpur on Monday .
He argued that equal access to rights and public infrastructure demands a single legal framework for all citizens.
Poonia defended delimitation as a constitutional process in place since 1952 , urging it not be politicised.
He alleged Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot selectively respect constitutional institutions based on political convenience.
Poonia credited the BJP with implementing the Pachpadra refinery project, countering Congress's claim of credit.
Rajya Sabha MP Satish Poonia on Monday threw his weight behind the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asserting that a single legal framework must govern every citizen of India regardless of religion or community. Speaking to the media at the Circuit House in Jodhpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader also defended the delimitation exercise as a constitutional imperative and took aim at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot for what he described as selective respect for constitutional institutions.
Poonia's Case for the UCC
Poonia argued that every person residing in India benefits equally from the country's public infrastructure, democratic rights, and economic opportunities — and should therefore be bound by the same set of laws. 'If you live off this country, you must sing its praises too,' he said. He contended that legal disparities across communities undermine the idea of a developed India and that uniformity in law is a prerequisite for national cohesion. This comes amid an ongoing national debate on the UCC, with Uttarakhand having enacted its own UCC legislation in 2024 — the first state to do so — and the Centre yet to introduce a central bill.
On Delimitation and Constitutional Institutions
Responding to questions on the proposed delimitation exercise, Poonia said the process has been an integral part of India's constitutional framework since 1952 and is governed by established constitutional provisions. He urged that the exercise not be politicised, asserting that constitutional bodies deserve respect across party lines. He alleged that Gandhi and Gehlot were unwilling to accept constitutional processes when the outcomes did not align with their political interests — a charge the Congress has not yet formally responded to.
Rajya Sabha Nomination and Party Recognition
Poonia expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership for nominating him to the Rajya Sabha, framing the decision as a recognition not just of his own work but of the contributions of lakhs of grassroots party workers. He said the BJP rewards dedication and merit at the ground level, and that his nomination reflects the party's commitment to elevating committed workers.
Pachpadra Refinery Row
The BJP leader also weighed in on the Pachpadra refinery project, countering former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's claims. Poonia acknowledged that the Congress government had announced the project but credited the BJP with ensuring its actual implementation. He noted that development projects frequently stall when the Centre and the state are governed by different parties, arguing that the BJP had successfully navigated those challenges to push the refinery forward. Poonia received a warm reception from BJP workers upon arriving in Jodhpur, with supporters greeting him with drums and slogans.
Point of View
The BJP attempts to put Congress on the defensive — forcing it to appear either anti-Constitution or anti-minority, depending on which audience is watching. What is missing from this narrative is any substantive engagement with the drafting challenges a central UCC would entail, particularly around personal law domains where legal complexity is considerable. The Pachpadra refinery jab at Gehlot is local politics layered onto a national-framing exercise — a signal that Poonia's Rajya Sabha elevation has not dimmed his appetite for Rajasthan's ground-level battles.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Satish Poonia say about the Uniform Civil Code?
Satish Poonia said India should have one law for all citizens, arguing that equal rights and equal access to public infrastructure demand a uniform legal framework. He made the remarks at a press address at the Circuit House in Jodhpur on Monday.
Why did Poonia defend the delimitation exercise?
Poonia said delimitation has been part of India's constitutional framework since 1952 and is carried out according to established constitutional provisions. He urged political parties not to politicise the process and to respect constitutional institutions.
What did Poonia allege against Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot?
Poonia alleged that the two Congress leaders selectively respect constitutional processes — accepting them when outcomes favour their party but opposing them when they do not. He did not provide specific instances beyond this general charge.
What is the Pachpadra refinery dispute about?
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has claimed credit for the Pachpadra refinery project, saying the Congress government announced it. Poonia countered that while the announcement was made under Congress, it was the BJP government that ensured the project's implementation.
What is the current status of the UCC in India?
As of 2025, Uttarakhand is the only state to have enacted its own UCC legislation, having done so in 2024. A central UCC bill has not yet been introduced in Parliament, though the BJP has long listed it as a policy priority.
