PM Modi denounces triple talaq; Congress against hasty steps

Breaking his silence on the hugely contentious issue of triple talaq, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday denounced the practice among Muslims and deprecated attempts to politicise the issue.

"Now the issue of talaq has come up. Just like if any Hindu commits female foeticide he will have to go to jail, similarly what is the crime of my Muslim sisters that someone says talaq over phone and her life is destroyed," he said addressing a "Maha Parivartan Rally" here in the Bundelkhand region in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. Urging TV news channels to not turn triple talaq into an issue of Hindu versus Muslim or BJP versus other parties, Modi said that in its submission to the Supreme Court, the central government had clearly stated that there should not be any atrocity on women and there should be no discrimination on the basis of religion.

"In democracy, there should be discussion. The government has put forward its position. Those who want to digress from triple talaq are instigating people...in the country, lives of Muslim women cannot be allowed to be ruined by triple talaq," he said. In his speech, the Prime Minister asked the audience whether the rights of Muslim women should be protected or not and whether they should get equal rights or not? "I am surprised that some political parties of the country in their lust for vote bank are hell-bent upon committing injustice to women in the 21st century. What kind of justice is this?

"Politics and elections have their own place but getting Muslim women their rights as per the Constitution is the responsibility of the government and the people of the country," he said. Asking the media to not turn the issue of triple talaq as a matter between the government and the opposition, Modi said, "The debate should be between knowledgeable persons from Muslim community knowing 'Quran'. In Muslim community, knowledgeable and progressive people are there.

There are educated Muslim women who can put their views forth." "When you do TV debate do not turn it into Hindu-Muslim issues. Debate should be between those who want change in Muslim society and those who do not want 125 crore Indians to know what is the issue," the Prime Minister said.

Congress against hasty steps:

"While we stand for equality and fair treatment for women, no hasty step should be taken which may lead to a feeling of alienation amongst any community," party spokesman R P N Singh told reporters.

He said all progressive steps need to be taken after wide consultation with those "who would be affected and after explaining their viewpoints".

Besides, he said, for changing the personal law of any community, an atmosphere of trust and confidence needs to be built and different views taken on board.

He said the matter should not be politicised. He said the issue is pending in the Supreme Court and everyone should respect the judgment of the Court.

The Congress' statement comes on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi, breaking his silence on the hugely-contentious issue, denounced the practice among Muslims and deprecated attempts to politicise it.  "While we stand for equality and fair treatment for women, no hasty step should be taken which may lead to a feeling of alienation amongst any community," party spokesman R P N Singh told reporters. He said all progressive steps need to be taken after wide consultation with those "who would be affected and after explaining their viewpoints".

Besides, he said, for changing the personal law of any community, an atmosphere of trust and confidence needs to be built and different views taken on board. He said the matter should not be politicised. He said the issue is pending in the Supreme Court and everyone should respect the judgment of the Court. The Congress' statement comes on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi, breaking his silence on the hugely-contentious issue, denounced the practice among Muslims and deprecated attempts to politicise it.