Congress to stay away from public hearings on UCC in Rajasthan: Dotasra

Jaipur, Jul 7 (PTI) Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra on Tuesday said that his party would boycott public hearings on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, alleging that the exercise lacked transparency and was aimed at disturbing social harmony. The BJP, meanwhile, said that the UCC is being drafted in line with Rajasthan's conditions and the proposed bill is likely to be tabled in the next assembly session. Pointing out that there was "no draft or proposal" for the UCC placed in the public domain, Dotasra asked on what basis the consultations were being held. "There is neither any draft nor any proposal -- then what is the public hearing about?" he asked while interacting with reporters here. He also alleged that the process was intended to "hurt social harmony" and trigger "religious polarisation for political gains". The Rajasthan government has initiated a statewide public consultation on the proposed UCC, inviting citizens to share their suggestions until July 25. A committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai has been tasked with gathering public input through multiple channels, including an online portal, SMS, and consultations at divisional headquarters. Dotasra on Tuesday claimed that the committee comprised people linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and was being deployed across multiple states on directions from the Centre. Explaining the Congress's decision to stay away from the public hearings, Dotasra said the move could lead to tensions on the ground. "They want us to attend the public hearing, and then create situations where disputes arise, and religious issues are raised to spread hatred," he said. The Congress leader accused the state government of ignoring governance issues such as water scarcity, electricity shortages, crime and farmers' distress. "People are struggling with basic problems, but there is no discussion on those issues," he said. Dotasra further alleged that despite people voting for the BJP, "it is the RSS that is ruling Rajasthan", terming the situation unfortunate. He added that the Congress would continue to engage with people on their issues and raise them at appropriate forums. Reacting to Dotasra's comments, BJP state president Madan Rathore said the opposition has limited itself to criticism and pointing out shortcomings of the UCC. He stated that the BJP has already prepared a framework for the UCC and is drafting it in line with Rajasthan's conditions after studying the experiences of states where it has been implemented. Rathore added that suggestions are being sought from various sections of society, and the opposition is welcome to give its inputs as well. The matter will be tabled before the assembly, where the opposition can present its views, he said. Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Urban Development and Self-Governance Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra said the BJP government is likely to bring a UCC bill in the next assembly session. "Establishing equal civil laws for all citizens has been a longstanding objective, and the current administration is taking decisive measures to materialise it," Kharra said, elaborating on the plan. PTI AG RUK RUK