VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has assured a meeting of Muslim leaders here on Wednesday that his government will not take any decision that could hurt the sentiments of the minorities in AP.
He said, “The draft on the central government’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has not reached us so far. No one knows what it contains. This government is your government and belongs to the weaker sections, suppressed communities and minorities. You need not worry and fear about UCC as this government will never act in ways that hurt your sentiments.”
Addressing the Muslim representatives who called on him at the Camp Office here, to express their views on the proposed UCC, the Chief Minister said his government was committed to the well-being of the minorities and other weaker sections.
Jagan Mohan Reddy reminded them, “India is a country that stands for ‘unity in diversity’ with its various religions, castes and groups following different traditions and customs of their own. Different personal law boards are working, based on their faiths and religious practices. If these practices are to be streamlined, that should be done through the Personal Law Boards since they have a fair idea and understanding about these practices and they only can help avoid misinterpretations.”
“If these have to be changed, the Supreme Court, the Law Commission and the central government should together discuss the issues with various law boards and act on that basis. Otherwise, it may not work in a country like India which is noted for its diversity,” he stressed.
“This is your government and we are working for the weaker sections and minorities and it will not take any decision that hurts your sentiments. Don’t get unduly worried about this,” the CM told the Muslim leaders.
He said, “Parents would never show partiality to their children. We shall all make it clear that there is no compromise on the rights of the Muslim women. Think of the steps you would take if you were the chief minister and give me your suggestions,” the CM said.
Legislative Council deputy chairman Zakia Khanam, deputy chief minister (minority welfare) Amzath Basha, chief secretary K.S. Jawahar Reddy, minority welfare secretary Md Imtiaz, MLAs Abdulhafeez Khan, Nawaz Basha and Shaik Mustafa, MLCs Mohammad Iqbal, Mohammad Ruhulla, Muslim religious heads and Muslim people’s representatives were present.
