“Most Islamic countries have banned triple talaq. So it is not a matter of religion or faith. Even in Pakistan, triple talaq is banned,” the Prime Minister said in an interview to news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 1 said that while Triple Talaq is a matter of gender equality, entry of women in Sabarimala is related to tradition.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, the Prime Minister tried to clear the air on the BJP’s apparent contradiction in its stand on the controversial triple talaq ordinance and the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 into the Sabarimala temple by saying the ordinance against instant triple talaq was brought keeping in mind gender equality and social justice and it should not be seen as interference in religious issues.

However, on the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple and protests by the right-wing groups, Mr. Modi said that the issue relates to tradition and the Supreme Court judgement that saw a dissent by a lady judge should be read carefully.

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“Triple talaq ordinance was brought after Supreme Court verdict. We have said in our BJP manifesto that a solution would be found to this issue under the Constitution,” Mr. Modi said. “Most Islamic countries have banned triple talaq. So it is not a matter of religion or faith. Even in Pakistan, triple talaq is banned. So it is an issue of gender equality, matter of social justice. It is not an issue of faith. So keep the two separate.”

Reacting to a question on the BJP’s stand on the Sabarimala issue, the Prime Minister said: “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.”

(The article has been published in an arrangement with ANI)