The Janata Dal (United), an ally in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, has vowed to prevent any anti-Muslim or anti-minority campaigns under the incoming central government.
This assertion was made by the party’s National Spokesperson, KC Tyagi, during an interview with Red Mike, a digital news channel. Tyagi emphasized his party's dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all communities, particularly Muslims, and reaffirmed JD(U)’s commitment to a secular governance approach.
In the aftermath of a divisive Lok Sabha campaign that saw the BJP targeting Muslims, Tyagi stressed the importance of moving beyond election rhetoric and focusing on inclusive governance.
He highlighted the JD(U)’s credibility among Muslim voters, citing the party’s candidate Mujahid Alam's strong performance in the Muslim-majority Kishanganj constituency in Bihar. Despite finishing second, Alam outperformed the candidate from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, indicating significant support from the Muslim community.
Tyagi reiterated the JD(U)'s philosophy of building consensus among all communities and sects. As a part of the new Union government, the party intends to advocate for extensive discussions on policy matters rather than imposing decisions unilaterally.
On the contentious issue of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Tyagi clarified that while the JD(U) is not opposed to reforms, any move towards implementing a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and adoption must involve thorough consultations with all stakeholders.
This includes chief ministers, political parties, and various sects, ensuring that the interests and practices of minority communities are considered. Legal experts have warned that the UCC could potentially erase personal law practices specific to minority communities, particularly affecting Muslims, who make up about 14% of India’s population.
Despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge to implement the UCC nationwide within five years if the BJP retained power, Tyagi’s comments suggest that the JD(U) will push for a more measured and inclusive approach to this significant legal reform.
Tyagi also expressed the JD(U)'s support for the BJP’s "One Nation, One Election" proposal, which advocates for simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. This initiative aims to reduce the logistical and financial burdens associated with frequent elections.
Regarding reservations in government jobs and education, Tyagi stated that the JD(U) opposes religion-based reservations. He argued that such policies could undermine the rights of socially and educationally backward Muslims. The BJP has promised to eliminate religion-based reservations, a stance that aligns with the JD(U)’s position.
The recent Lok Sabha election results left the BJP with 240 seats, short of the majority needed to form the government independently. This has made the support of NDA partners like the JD(U), which secured 12 seats, crucial for the formation of the new government. The JD(U)'s stance on minority rights and inclusive governance will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the policies of the upcoming administration.