New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that “serious and positive discussions” are underway on implementing the BJP’s two key ideological issues, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) or simultaneous voting for Parliament and state assemblies.
Addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers on the occasion of the party’s 47th foundation day, the Prime Minister said: “Our mission still continues. Serious discussions are being held in the country today on all these issues like UCC, One Nation, One Election… Our goal is to build a developed, self-reliant India and for that we will continue to work selflessly.”
UCC and BJP promises
UCC is one of the BJP’s original three ideological issues and the only one that is incomplete – the others being the abrogation of Article 370 and the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Some BJP-ruled states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat have floated UCC.
A joint parliamentary committee is currently examining the controversial issue of simultaneous elections.
Even as he spoke about the growth and achievements of the BJP over the years, the Prime Minister said that in a few years, the BJP will complete its 50th year, which is a milestone and an inspiration.
Read also | In the poll-bound state of Assam, Shah reiterated the BJP’s promise to introduce UCC pan-India.
He said the party will have to exchange ideas and set new goals for itself, and lauded the workers for enduring hardships, be it suppression of democratic institutions during the Emergency or political violence in West Bengal.
“BJP workers do not hesitate when it comes to raising issues related to people. They have a firm belief that their hard work will ensure India’s better future. That is why the workers have endured all the hardships… many are even sacrificing their lives. We have seen this in states like Bengal,” he said.
PM Modi talks about BJP’s efforts: new parliament, early warning system and triple talaq
He cited the construction of the new Parliament building, reservation for economically weaker sections, banning instant triple talaq through legislation, and construction of the Ram temple as examples of sincere efforts by the BJP that are paying off.
Commenting on the party’s ideology, he said its approach to governance is rooted in the “nation first” philosophy, which he said contradicts other political parties.
He said, “With our arrival, two trends in the country’s politics became clear. One trend became the policy of authority, while the other trend became a service policy.”
Speaking about the Congress, he said the opposition party gave priority to one family, while the BJP ensured wider participation and equal respect for all. “The BJP is the only political party for which we consider party as our security. That is why the party’s foundation day is not just a political event. It is an emotional occasion for every worker,” he said.
The Prime Minister also congratulated party president Nitin Nabin on his recent election to the Rajya Sabha.
The Prime Minister also praised the BJP’s ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and referred to it as the banyan tree, which nourished the party.
