Barwani (MP), Jun 29 (PTI) Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday said the Madhya Pradesh government should not implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) without the consensus of all religious groups and communities.
He also demanded strict action against those found involved in the misappropriation of donation funds at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The state government is preparing to introduce the UCC bill in the monsoon session of the legislative assembly, beginning July 20. A committee headed by Justice Ranjana Desai (retd) has received oral and written suggestions from various stakeholders, including political representatives and religious leaders, as part of the process of finalising the draft UCC for MP.
Talking to reporters on various issues, Singh said the Congress party’s clear view is that the UCC should not be implemented without extensive dialogue with representatives of all religions, communities and social organisations.
It should not be introduced without the consensus of all these groups, he said.
“Keeping in mind India’s diversity and the spirit of the Constitution, the path of dialogue and consensus is the best,” the former MP chief minister said.
On the allegations of alleged misuse of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Singh said if corruption has taken place, then the matter cannot be resolved by taking action against the junior-level employees alone.
The roles of officials whose names have surfaced in public discourse should also be investigated impartially, he demanded.
Singh said that he himself had donated for the construction of the Ram’s temple.
“If the faith of devotees has been violated in any way, the culprits should be punished as per the law,” he added.
The Rajya Sabha member said he was consulting legal experts and would also file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in this matter if necessary.
Targeting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav over various issues, including alleged corruption in the state, illegal mining, land use change, financial transparency in religious institutions, Singh said, “In a democracy, the government and the chief minister are accountable to the public and should provide clear answers on such matters.” Referring to the recent allegations made by Congress State president Jitu Patwari regarding land allotment, Singh said that he has personally investigated the available documents.
But during the investigation, it came to light that the trust to which the land was allotted is actually a government trust, Singh said in a statement.
However, it does not mean that other serious cases of corruption in the state can be ignored, he added.
Singh alleged that illegal sand mining in Barda village of Barwani district enjoys political patronage.
He said local residents have informed him that illegal activities were being carried out under the patronage of influential people, while the administration remains a mute spectator.
Changing the land use of agricultural land multiplies its value, and if power is used for personal gain, it is a serious matter, he added.
Singh alleged that questions are being raised about the role of people associated with the CM, which the latter himself should clarify. PTI MAS NP
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