Karra slams BJP’s policies, calls UCC and Waqf Bill instruments of communal polarization

BN Web Desk

Jammu, 30-01-2025: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra has alleged that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Waqf (Amendment) Bill are part of a broader strategy to sow discord and communal disharmony across the country. Speaking to reporters after leading a prayer meeting to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his martyrdom anniversary at the party headquarters, Karra accused the BJP-led government of deliberately fostering hatred to consolidate power. He stated that both the UCC and the amendments to the Waqf Act are not standalone legislative measures but elements of a calculated agenda aimed at targeting minorities and disrupting communal harmony. Responding to questions about the implementation of UCC in BJP-governed Uttarakhand and the rejection of opposition amendments to the Waqf Bill by the joint parliamentary committee, he claimed that these actions were designed to create an environment of fear and instability.

Karra further alleged that a systematic campaign is being orchestrated against all minority communities, including Muslims, Dalits, and Christians, with the goal of isolating and marginalizing them. He criticized the narrative that Hindus are under threat in a nation of 140 crore people, where Muslims constitute only 17 crore, stating that this false claim exposes the deep-rooted insecurity and divisive ideology of the ruling party, which he argued has its origins in policies framed by their ideological forebears a century ago. He also took aim at the BJP’s slogan “Abhi nahi toh kabhi nahi” (If not now, then never), asserting that it is being used as a strategic call to escalate communal tensions. He remarked that instead of Khelo India (Play India), the ruling party has turned it into Khodo India (Dig India), indicating that they are focused on deepening societal divisions rather than working for national progress.

Expressing skepticism about the upcoming Union Budget, the Congress leader stated that he had no expectations of any major relief for the people. He cited the past ten years of BJP-led governance as a period marked by rising unemployment, inflation, and economic distress, arguing that all previous budgets under the NDA government had failed to address these concerns. He said there was no reason to believe that the next budget would miraculously curb inflation, boost GDP, reduce unemployment, or address the worsening conditions of the education and healthcare sectors.

Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Karra condemned his assassination by Nathuram Godse in 1948, asserting that it was not merely the murder of an individual but an attack on an ideology that championed peace and non-violence. He urged the people to uphold the principles of Gandhi and Nehru while countering the ideology of figures like M. S. Golwalkar, V. D. Savarkar, and Godse. He accused the RSS and BJP of never condemning Godse, alleging that under their rule, a temple had even been built in his name, which, he argued, was a reflection of their ideological inclinations.

Karra warned that those spreading hatred are not working in the country’s best interests and are merely using communal polarization as a tool to remain in power. He said that their economic and foreign policies have been disastrous and that simply building good roads would not earn the country international recognition. He cited former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent oath-taking ceremony, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not invited, as an example of India’s declining global stature under the current leadership. He called upon the people to reject divisive politics and work towards restoring India’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (composite culture). He emphasized that the country needs another movement for freedom, this time from forces that are promoting hatred and division for their own political gains.