LUCKNOW: Amid the raging debate over implementation of Uniform Civil Code, it is only the Mayawati-led Bahujan
Samaj Party
that is conspicuous by its silence. While all other parties have made their stand clear on the issue,
Mayawati has chosen to keep mum despite her aggressive outreach to
Muslims
as she fears that taking a clear-cut stand might disturb her 'Sarvajan' formula.
Maya has been focusing on the community as part of her Dalit-Muslim consolidation plan. But at the same time, sources close to Mayawati claim, she doesn't want to restrict herself to Muslims vis-à-vis
UCC
and wade into what could be a 'counter-polarisation' trap of the
BJP. "By giving a statement in support or against the UCC, she would be distancing herself from one community or the other, therefore, weakening her 'Sarvajan' (inclusive) strategy and that she can't afford at this juncture,"said a senior
BSP functionary.
Not surprisingly, BSP national general secretary and party's
Muslim
face
Naseemuddin Siddiqui
during a recent press conference avoided making statement on the issue and saying "It is policy matter and the party will disclose its stand after due consultation."
Political analysts said Maya is bound to take the middle path on the contentious issue that could potentially determine her political fortune in the much anticipated assembly elections. "Mayawati is politically conscious of every move of the saffron outfit that seeks to disturb the caste and community equations of opposition parties," said political observer Badri Narayan. He added that Maya will obviously try not to be projected in favour of only one caste or community.
Political analyst J P Shukla said Mayawati will first see the response of all political parties before making her stand clear on the UCC. Congress has opposed the implementation of UCC while accusing the BJP of trying to "prick the conscience" of Muslims and the ruling
Samajwadi Party on the other hand finds itself in a tricky situation. Shukla pointed out that SP chief
Mulayam Singh has been avoiding any direct reference to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. "He, however, has been politically correct in demarcating identities of Muslims and non-Muslims," said Shukla. In a recent press conference, Mulayam had said that the issue was old enough and every individual had the right to follow his/her religion'.
"Musalmaan quran padhein, Hindu Geeta...is mein kya dikkat hai (Muslims follow Quran, Hindus follow Geeta...where is the problem?)," he had said. Analysts, therefore, said the BSP boss would like maintain a discreet silence on the issue.