The triple talaq legislation issue saw BJP and Congress at political cross-roads. There were two sides to the issue: meddling with religious laws arguing that it curtails constitutional right versus freedom from instant indignity. Opinion was divided between Muslim organisations, women, activists and political parties. And finally, BJP decided to take it on once again after a failed attempt in 2017.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval to an ordinance to ban triple talaq on Tuesday. The process of making it into a law is set in motion. Once the presidential assent is given it will again make its presence in Parliament, where it will await ratification from both Houses. But beyond these parameters, the legislation has far-reaching political connotations. While BJP’s intentions of reaching out to the Muslims are as clear as daylight, it would be interesting to see how Congress positions itself on the issue now.
The triple talaq legislation assumes significance for BJP’s poll plans because the Lok Sabha poll, which is seen as a make-or-break election for Modi, is due in the first half of next year. Besides, there are several BJP-ruled states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh which are set to go in for elections soon.
And BJP is not leaving any stone unturned in this direction. It’s banking on the sizeable Muslim voters that the party could reach out to in a bid to swing its fortunes. In what can be called as a political master stroke, the BJP took the ordinance route despite the fact that the Supreme Court had in January 2017 ruled that repromulgation of ordinances is a fraud on the Constitution and cannot become a ‘parallel source of legislation’.
Modi will launch his campaign on a higher pedestal since he has almost accomplished his pr omise to the Muslim women that justice will be delivered to them. It may be noted that the PM has been making conscious attempts in recent times to bring the Muslim voter closer. Statements seeking to draw the line between terrorism and religion, talking about mindsets and a call for Muslim youth to hold a Quran in one hand and a computer in another, are all indicative of a warm embrace to Muslims who were diametrically opposed to the saffron outfit. It remains to be seen how the recent Modi initiatives, and especially the triple talaq legislation, are translated into votes.
The BJP will also use the triple talaq issue to settle scores with the Congress and other parties which have been vociferously opposing the legislation. Congress will be in a dilemma. At this point in time, supporting the ordinance and ensuring its safe passage in the Parliament could be seen as a political U-turn in view of the forthcoming elections. And any opposition could force large sections of Muslims, especially women, to turn their backs on the grand old party while aligning themselves with the BJP.
