Jamshedpur, Nov. 3: Shankaracharya of Puri, Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati, today advocated the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code for the preservation of unity and integrity of the country.

Shankaracharya, who was in the city to take part in the Bhagwad Katha Gyan, organised by the Jamshedpur Sanatan Dharma Utthan Samiti at South Park in Bistupur, said the British rulers took advantage of the division of the people along communal lines and split the country into three parts.

“The infighting among the Hindus and the Muslims on petty issues over the past few years gives us reason to feel that a similar situation is likely to arise if something is not done to redress the situation,” he said, adding, “the only way to implement the Uniform Civil Code is according to the provisions of the Constitution.”

Replying to a query, Shankaracharya said politicians are busy finding ways to exploit religious sentiments on the British policy of divide-and-rule, and hindering non-implementation of the Uniform Civil Code even after 56 years of Independence.

“Realising the importance of Uniform Civil Code, President APJ Abdul Kalam said the leaders are busy politicising the issue,” he said. According to Shankaracharya, the delay in the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is because of the lack of political will of various parties, including BJP and the Congress, both of whom want to use it as a poll plank. The Shankaracharya also warned politicians of serious consequences if they did not enact legislations to stop the forceful conversion of Hindus to Christianity by the missionaries working in the remote areas. “They should realise that the Hindus comprise the largest population in the country and no ruling party can ignore their well-being,” he said.

According to the organisers, the Shankaracharya would also attend the the “Rudra Abhisekh” at South Park on November 4.

Chief minister Arjun Munda, along with his family members, is going to perform the “Rudra Abhisekh” under the guidance of the Shankaracharya, they said.