Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Will UCC benefit BJP in Uttarakhand? 5 key issues before the state goes to polls on April 19
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised in its manifesto to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across India if it comes to power. This code would replace existing personal laws like the Hindu Marriage Act, the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act and the Christian Marriage Act with a single set of laws for all citizens. In February, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state after Independence to approve the UCC.
As it goes to polls on April 19, let’s find out the key electoral issues in the state. The UCC creates common laws for marriage and inheritance applicable to all citizens, irrespective of religion, marking a significant departure as India's first such law. However, it excludes Scheduled Tribes.
Criticism arises from stringent regulations on live-in relationships, mandating registration with potential penalties, including jail time for non-compliance. Some argue that the UCC unfairly encroaches on the religious customs of specific groups. Every year, millions of pilgrims flock to Haridwar, a significant religious site, causing heavy traffic and straining local facilities, particularly during major events like the Kumbh Mela.
This influx adversely affects the quality of life for locals and underscores the urgent need for improved tourism management. Over 1 lakh sugarcane farmers in Haridwar are grappling with delayed payments and insufficient compensation for damaged crops. Sugarcane prices in Uttarakhand are pegged to those in Uttar Pradesh.
However, local farmers don't enjoy the same benefits such as subsidised electricity for irrigation. This disparity has plunged the farmers into significant financial distress. Floods and landslides frequently plague Uttarakhand, especially in
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