New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) As Uttarakhand makes history by being the inaugural state to enact the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Monday, the controversial legislation has unexpectedly garnered support. Congress leader Captain Ajay Singh Yadav expressed his endorsement for its nationwide adoption, emphasizing the necessity of including all stakeholders.

This backing from a Congress leader is surprising, given the party's longstanding criticism of the UCC as 'discriminatory and divisive', often accusing the BJP of leveraging it for political gain.

Captain Yadav, a senior figure in Congress and a former minister in Haryana, has taken a stance that diverges from his party's position, coinciding with Rahul Gandhi's upcoming public rally in Madhya Pradesh.

In an interview with IANS regarding the UCC's implementation in Uttarakhand, he advocated for a comprehensive national rollout, contingent upon attaining consensus from all political factions.

Yadav stated, 'Nothing should be imposed on anyone. An all-party meeting should have been convened regarding the UCC; it should be rolled out throughout India. Implementing it based solely on one state's perspective is not appropriate.'

'If the UCC is enacted without thorough discussions with all parties, especially in a nation with diverse religions, it will fail to be effective,' he remarked.

The announcement signifies an important legislative achievement, to be introduced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a dedicated UCC portal at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, just prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.

The UCC aims to create a standardized legal framework for marriage, divorce, property, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, regardless of their religion.

Nonetheless, senior Congress leader Kumari Selja has criticized this initiative, branding it as part of the BJP's 'agenda to create division'.

'This action is motivated by upcoming elections, both in Uttarakhand and elsewhere. The BJP is aiming to instigate division among the populace, and this is part of that strategy,' she told IANS.

Furthermore, Ganesh Godiyal, a Uttarakhand Congress leader, compared the UCC to the repeal of Article 370 in Kashmir, asserting that the government is utilizing this legislation to divert attention from its failures.

'The UCC resembles the removal of Article 370 in Kashmir, which was accompanied by promises of prosperity. The state government is leveraging the UCC to distract citizens from pressing issues such as unemployment and corruption,' Godiyal remarked.

In the meantime, the Uttarakhand government has assured that the UCC regulations have been carefully crafted to avoid contentious aspects concerning personal law disputes.

As Uttarakhand embarks on this historic endeavor, discussions surrounding the UCC's implications for India's multifaceted social and cultural landscape are anticipated to intensify.