Congress Leader Kumari Selja Questions BJP's True Intent Behind Uniform Civil Code in Assam
Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja has raised serious questions about the Bharatiya Janata Party's genuine commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code in Assam. This criticism comes exactly one week after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during an election rally in the state, reaffirmed his party's dedication to bringing UCC to Assam while specifically excluding tribal communities from its application.
Election-Time Politics and Division Allegations
Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Selja accused the BJP of strategically raising the Uniform Civil Code issue exclusively during election periods. "The BJP brings up UCC only for election purposes to find opportunities to divide people and secure majority votes," she alleged during her address to journalists. The Congress leader suggested this tactic creates suspicion among different community groups and prevents genuine unity.
Selja further criticized what she described as the BJP's reliance on divisive politics when facing electoral challenges. "Because BJP cannot ask for votes on the basis of its performance, it turns to politics of hatred whenever elections near," she claimed, suggesting the party lacks substantive governance achievements to present to voters.
Twelve Years of Unfulfilled Promises on Tribal Status
The Congress MP highlighted what she called the BJP's failure to deliver on crucial promises to Assam's communities over more than a decade. "They deny rights to those who truly need them," Selja stated, specifically pointing to the unfulfilled commitment to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six Other Backward Class communities in Assam.
According to Selja, these communities have been waiting for twelve years for the recognition that would provide them with essential constitutional protections and benefits. "Those who genuinely deserved rights have been denied them," she emphasized, contrasting this with what she described as the BJP's focus on politically convenient issues like the Uniform Civil Code.
Congress Manifesto Promises Substantive Rights
Turning to her own party's electoral commitments, Selja outlined specific promises from the Congress manifesto for the Assam elections. "We will grant ST status to the Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia and Tea Tribes (Adivasi) communities," she declared confidently.
The Congress leader detailed the practical benefits this status would bring:
- Reservations in educational institutions and universities
- Job reservations in government and public sector employment
- Enhanced political representation and rights
- Constitutional protections for land and cultural practices
"Once we grant ST status to these communities, they will benefit from reservations in education, jobs and political rights," Selja explained, positioning this as a tangible improvement over what she characterized as the BJP's symbolic focus on the Uniform Civil Code.
Questioning the Fundamental Purpose of UCC
Beyond the electoral timing concerns, Selja challenged the very purpose behind implementing the Uniform Civil Code in Assam. "What is the true objective of UCC? We maintain that everyone should receive justice and equal rights," she stated, suggesting the BJP's approach might not align with these fundamental principles.
The Congress leader's comments reflect growing political tensions in Assam as election campaigning intensifies, with competing visions for the state's social and legal framework taking center stage in political discourse.
