Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in an exclusive interview on India TV‘s ‘Aap Ki Adalat‘ with Rajat Sharma, addressed several critical issues, including the new Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law, ‘Love Jihad,’ and the recent communal violence in Haldwani.

Regarding the UCC law, Dhami assured that live-in couples in Uttarakhand would not face undue harassment from the police and administration for non-compliance. He emphasized that the government has formed a committee to frame rules ensuring the fair implementation of the UCC law and preventing misuse of its provisions. The CM highlighted the importance of compulsory registration for live-in couples, citing it as a measure for their security and the protection of children born out of such relationships, the channel said in a press release.

Responding to criticism from Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who accused the Uttarakhand government of invading privacy, Dhami defended the provisions, stating they are for the protection of citizens and not an intrusion into personal lives.

Addressing the issue of ‘Love Jihad,’ Dhami firmly stated that incidents like Love Jihad are unacceptable in Uttarakhand, emphasizing the sacredness of the state.

In response to objections from Muslim clergy on the UCC law going against Shariah and Islamic injunctions, Dhami clarified that the law does not interfere with customary traditions of marriage for people of different religions.

On the recent communal violence in Haldwani, Dhami referred to the encroachment of government lands and the illegal construction of ‘mazaars’ as “Land Jihad.” He asserted that the government would remove any mosque built on encroached land and emphasized the commitment to preserving the original features and demography of Devbhoomi.

Dhami concluded by expressing the government’s dedication to fulfilling the promises made in its manifesto, including the implementation of the UCC law, and emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the Constitution.

The ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ interview provided insights into the Uttarakhand government’s stance on key issues, reflecting its commitment to governance aligned with the state’s cultural ethos.