BJP-led Centre bowled UCC 'googly' to divert attention from people's issues: Sachin Pilot

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Sachin Pilot has said the talk about it is just «kite-flying» as there is no concrete proposal and alleged that the BJP-led Centre has bowled this «googly» to divert attention from the real issues concerning people. In an interview with PTI, Pilot said there is nothing on a UCC in the standing committees or Parliament and the talk is just based on a «rhetorical political speech».

The former Union minister said there is no concrete proposal on a UCC and it is just being used by the BJP-led Centre as a «political tool». The 22nd Law Commission had, on June 14, initiated a fresh consultation process on a UCC by seeking views from the stakeholders, including members of the public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically-sensitive issue.

Addressing a gathering of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Bhopal last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for a UCC, saying the Constitution calls for equal rights for all citizens. Asked about the raging debate over a UCC, Pilot said, «What is the agenda, where is the bill, what are we discussing? It is just kite-flying… There is no agenda on the table either in Parliament or otherwise.

What is its definition?» «I am all for gender equality, of making people get justice in every way, in personal life or inheritance, but there has to be a proper format. Why are we not talking about issues that are far more important as opposed to this divisive agenda, which is still kite-flying?» the former Rajasthan deputy chief minister asked.

There is nothing that has been said by the standing committee or in Parliament and it is just a rhetorical political speech that evokes reactions, he said. «Once you have the provocative issue being discussed in television