The Congress on Saturday expressed concern over the ruling BJP’s plan to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Madhya Pradesh, saying it could pose a serious threat to the identity, traditions and constitutional rights of the tribal community.
Umang Singhar, the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly and the Congress’s tribal face in MP, also accused the government of trying to impose the UCC in haste, without holding any dialogue and without following the democratic process, which reflects the BJP’s “intolerant mindset”.
India is a country of diversity where tribal communities have lived for centuries with their distinct cultural heritage, traditions and social systems, he said.
“Imposing a uniform law in such a context would not only disrespect their traditions but also violate their rights,” he said in a statement. During a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asked ministers to study the UCC before its implementation in the state.
The MP home department has since initiated the process, as it is responsible for preparing the UCC bill, sources said.
If the government has its way, it might bring the bill before Diwali, they added.
According to them, a high-level committee will soon be constituted at the state level.
The BJP government in Uttarakhand has already enforced the UCC in that state on January 27. The Gujarat assembly passed it last month. One of the BJP’s poll promises in the West Bengal elections is rolling out the UCC within six months after forming the government.
Singhar said Article 44 of the Constitution places the UCC under the Directive Principles of State Policy, as the Constituent Assembly recognised the need for broad consensus on the issue in a diverse country.
“This is not an immediately enforceable right but a guiding principle. However, the BJP government is trying to impose it in haste, without dialogue and without a democratic process,” he said.
Imposing uniformity in the name of UCC goes against the country’s core principle of unity in diversity, he said.
“Tribal communities have their own social systems, and customs related to marriage, inheritance and land that are centuries old. The Fifth and Sixth Schedules grant them cultural autonomy. If the UCC is implemented without exemptions, it will be against the spirit of the Constitution,” the Congress leader said.
Questioning the government’s argument of “equality”, he said equality does not mean uniformity, but ensuring justice while respecting the uniqueness of each community.
The LoP also expressed concern that no consultations were held with tribal organisations, panchayats or any religious or social groups.
“Making laws without deliberation has become the BJP’s ‘new normal’. It is undemocratic, sectarian and unconstitutional. The government should clearly state whether the UCC will apply to tribals. If not, why is there no guarantee of protection? This uncertainty is a deliberately created fear,” he said.
Singhar sought clarity from the government on whether tribal communities would be brought under the ambit of the UCC or kept outside it.
He also demanded that tribal communities be excluded from the proposed code and their traditions and rights be fully protected.
According to him, any law brought without consensus and dialogue would create divisions in society.
“The announcement of the UCC has created division rather than unity. The government should shun appeasement politics, keep tribal communities outside the ambit of the UCC, and prepare a common draft after taking all communities into confidence. The haste and undemocratic approach reflect the BJP’s intolerant mindset,” he alleged.
Singhar urged the government to hold a detailed discussion in the assembly on the issue and involve all religions, tribes and minorities in policymaking, warning that otherwise it could harm the country’s cultural diversity.
Sunday, April 12, 2026