NEW DELHI, September 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across all 21 BJP-NDA-ruled states before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections has drawn mixed reactions from key alliance partners, with several calling for consultation and consensus before moving ahead.
While the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has indicated support for the UCC, it has stressed that stakeholders must be consulted before implementation. The JD(U) has taken a stronger position, saying it does not support implementing the measure in Bihar under the present circumstances.
Amit Shah Sets 2029 Target for UCC
Speaking in Mumbai, Amit Shah said he was confident that the Uniform Civil Code would be introduced in all 21 states governed by the BJP and its NDA allies before 2029.
Shah said several states had already moved forward with the UCC and linked the initiative to the government’s broader objective of ensuring equality under civil laws.
The UCC seeks to establish common laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption irrespective of religion.
TDP Backs UCC but Calls for Consultations
The TDP, which governs Andhra Pradesh in alliance with the BJP and Jana Sena Party, has indicated support for the proposal but stopped short of endorsing immediate implementation.
TDP parliamentary party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said there had been no detailed discussion on the issue so far and stressed that different stakeholders would be involved before any decision was taken.
The party’s position is significant because the TDP is one of the BJP’s most important allies at the Centre.
JD(U) Says UCC Will Not Be Implemented in Bihar
The Janata Dal (United) has adopted a more cautious position.
JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak said the party may support the concept at the national level but would not allow it to be implemented in Bihar under its present position.
JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha said the party would discuss the matter with Amit Shah.
Former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has previously argued that any decision on a Uniform Civil Code should be taken only after building broad consensus and consulting different communities.
Chirag Paswan’s LJP Seeks Detailed Proposal
Another NDA partner, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has also urged caution.
Party chief Chirag Paswan said India’s Constitution recognises the different customs, traditions and practices of various communities and pointed to constitutional protections and exemptions available to Scheduled Tribes.
He said a detailed UCC proposal should first be made public, followed by comprehensive discussions with stakeholders before his party takes a final position.
Shiv Sena and HAM Back UCC
Not all NDA allies have expressed reservations.
The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) have openly supported Shah’s UCC push.
Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde described the UCC as consistent with the principles of equality, justice and national unity, while HAM president Santosh Kumar Suman welcomed Shah’s announcement.
UCC Already Moving Forward in Several States
The BJP has so far pursued the Uniform Civil Code largely through individual state governments rather than introducing a single nationwide law.
Uttarakhand has already implemented a UCC, while Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh have also advanced legislation related to the policy.
The varying reactions from NDA allies indicate that while the BJP remains committed to expanding the UCC before 2029, implementation in states governed by coalition partners could require further political negotiations and consultations.
source – The Indian Express / Times of India / ABP News
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