Marthi Subrahmanyam
Vijayawada
The YSRCP is facing a dilemma regarding its stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill. If it supports the bill, the decision poses a challenge for the party as it could alienate the Muslim and Christian vote bank. On the other hand, rejecting the BJP’s request to support the bill may invite their displeasure, which could be detrimental to Jagan Mohan Reddy, given the corruption cases he is currently facing. As a result, the YSRCP finds itself in a difficult position, unsure whether to extend support to the UCC or not.
Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has announced his opposition to the UCC. This further complicates the decision-making process for the YSRCP leadership. Jagan Mohan Reddy is keen to maintain cordial relations with the BJP-led Centre but is reluctant to alienate the Muslim and Christian vote bank by supporting the UCC, according to a YSRCP leader’s opinion.
The UCC bill is scheduled to be introduced in the upcoming monsoon sessions of Parliament. While the BJP possesses enough strength in the Lok Sabha to pass the bill, it would need the support of regional parties like the YSRCP and TDP to secure its passage in the Rajya Sabha.
Although the BJP-led Centre is attempting to build consensus for the bill’s passage in the Rajya Sabha, the current circumstances do not appear favorable. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently met with TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, seeking his support for the UCC bill in the Rajya Sabha. Both the Union Home Minister and Finance Minister have also appealed to Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to support the UCC bill in the Rajya Sabha.
A political analyst expressed the view that Jagan Mohan Reddy, given the corruption cases he is facing, is not in a position to oppose the Centre’s directive. He requires the Centre’s assistance in these cases, and incurring the wrath of the BJP could have dire consequences that may harm his electoral prospects.
Previously, the YSRCP supported the Agriculture bills, Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the abrogation of Article 371, and in return, the BJP released significant funds to Andhra Pradesh (AP). The Muslim communities, particularly in strongholds like Kurnool, Kadapa, Guntur, Anantapur, and Nellore, are openly opposing the UCC, while the Christian community is also expressing its opposition.
If Jagan Mohan Reddy were to oppose the UCC in the Rajya Sabha, it could lead to a halt in the Centre’s financial aid to AP, thereby affecting the state’s financial position. AP is in dire need of funds to implement its welfare schemes, and without the Centre’s support, these schemes may be hindered, as stated by a YSRCP representative. All eyes are now on Jagan Mohan Reddy as everyone eagerly awaits his decision on the UCC.
