Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that triple talaq is a matter of gender equality, while entry of women in Sabarimala is related to tradition.
In an exclusive interview to news agency ANI, Modi said the Sabarimala issue is related to tradition and the Supreme Court judgement that saw a dissent by a woman judge should be read carefully.
He was reacting to a question on BJP's apparent contradictory stances on the issues relating to Sabarimala and triple talaq. “India is of one opinion that everyone should get justice. There are some temples, which have their own traditions, where men can’t go. And men don’t go... In this, Sabrimala (issue), a woman judge in the Supreme Court has made certain observations. It needs to be read minutely. There is no need to attribute those to any political party. As a woman, she has made some suggestions. There should be a debate on that as well sometimes,” he said.
“Most Islamic countries have banned triple talaq. So it is not a matter of religion or faith. It is an issue of gender equality,matter of social justice. It is not an issue of faith,” he added.
Traditionally, girls and women in the menstruating age group of 10-50 years were barred from offering prayers at the Sabarimala temple, the presiding deity of which is "Naishtika Brahamachari" (perennial celebate).
The Ayyappa temple had witnessed massive protests by devotees against the state government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict, opening its doors to women of all ages to offer prayers. Main opposition Congress and the BJP backed the devotees in their protest against the entry of young women inside the shrine.
The contentious triple talaq bill seeking to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims. The opposition Monday thwarted the government's attempt in the Rajya Sabha to ensure the passage of the triple talaq bill as no discussion could be initiated on the contentious legislation.
Modi said the BJP is confident of doing well at this year's general election despite the party's recent losses in state polls.
"No reason for morale down. We are confident and are moving ahead. In 2019, if there is one party which the country trusts and is connected with the people, it is the BJP," Modi said.
BJP lost power in three key states in December, handing Modi his biggest defeat since he took office in 2014 and boosting the Congress party opposition and its allies ahead of national polls due by May.
Modi said it was more important to focus on his government's achievements, including the introduction in September of a new healthcare scheme for the poor.
"In such big numbers people suffering, today they have got treatment, how can I consider this a failure. It is my biggest achievement," Modi said.
He said party has been discussing what it lacked at the state elections but winning or losing was not the only yardstick. The BJP was willing to work with regional parties in the run-up to the general election, he said.
"Our effort is to take everyone along, and listen to everyone. I am committed to give importance to regional aspirations. The country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations."
Farmer relief
Modi said farm loan waivers should be "definitely done" if it helps but that was not a long-term solution to the problem of farmer distress.
"What is lacking in our system, that farmer becomes debt-ridden and the governments have to repeat vicious cycle of elections and loan waivers. So solution is to empower the farmers. From seed to market, give all facilities to the farmers," he said.
Farmers' anger about low crop prices and their sense that the government has done far too little to address them contributed to the state election defeats.
The government is now considering three options for a relief package to help farmers suffering because of low crop prices at a cost of as much as Rs 3 trillion ($43.20 billion), three government sources told Reuters last week.
Patel resignation
Former Reserve Bank of India governor Urjit Patel had personally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about wanting to resign, citing personal reasons, several months before stepping down from the office in December, Modi said.
"The governor himself requested (to resign) because of personal reasons. I am revealing for the first time, he was telling me about this for the past 6-7 months before his resignation. He gave it even in writing. He wrote to me personally".
Patel resigned after a months-long tussle over policy with the government that raised concerns about the bank's independence as the next general election nears.
When asked if there was any political pressure on the governor to resign, Modi denied that was the case.
"No such question arises. I acknowledge that Patel did a good job as RBI governor."
