Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday defended the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti government’s decision to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, asserting that the Constitution itself directs states to work towards its implementation.
Speaking to reporters at his official residence in south Mumbai, Fadnavis, while commenting on the NCP merger issue, said only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar, who head the rival factions, could clarify whether their parties would reunite.
“Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy, which talk about the UCC. Thus, it is the constitutional responsibility of every state. The statement came in response to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi ’s criticism that the proposed law was unconstitutional. The Constitution itself has directed us to do this,” Fadnavis added. Fadnavis also played down the firing incidents allegedly involving the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, describing them as attempts to create fear among people, and alleging that the Opposition was trying to orchestrate street protests similar to the in neighbouring countries. “These are not big issues. The Mumbai Police force has no parallel in its professionalism.
Because the merger cannot happen without us, “If they ( Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar) decide to merge (their parties), they will come and tell us,.
The court has now stayed its implementation, but it remains the responsibility of the states,” he said. “If Owaisi had read the Constitution a little, he would not have said that we are bringing this outside its framework or considering ourselves bigger than the Constitution. When asked about the issue of NCP merger, the chief minister said neither faction had informed the BJP about any such move. Neither of them has told us anything yet,” he said. All those involved in the firing incident targeting Tiger Shroff have been arrested…,” he said. Talking about the Disha Salian death case, the CM said the Mumbai Police had found no foul play and CBI was now probing the matter in accordance with the court’s directions.
