PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Bharatiya Janata Party State president Mahendra Bhatt hit back at Pradesh Congress Committee president Karan Mahara for his remarks questioning whether BJP leaders would allow their family members to be in live-in relationships under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand.
Bhatt stated that the inclusion of live-in relationships in the UCC is based on Supreme Court judgments and the provision has been added after thorough legal study. He said that Mahara may lack awareness of the legal context. Bhatt said, “BJP’s concern is not about promoting live-in relationships but ensuring legal protection in such situations, especially when children are born or disputes arise.”
He clarified that the BJP’s cultural values do not align with live-in relationships but the government has taken steps to legally safeguard individuals involved in them. Registration has been made mandatory to provide legal clarity and protect rights, in line with constitutional and judicial principles, he added. Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli also condemned Mahara’s statement and questioned his mentality.
He said that while opposing policy matters is a political right, targeting the families of political opponents is inappropriate. Chamoli urged Congress leaders to maintain decorum and avoid personal remarks in public discourse.
