Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a major announcement in Mumbai on Sunday. He said 21 NDA-ruled states would implement UCC before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Following the statement, political discussions intensified across parties. However, BJP’s key allies have shown a careful approach toward the issue.
The NDA partners JDU, TDP and LJP (Ram Vilas) shared different views. Each party highlighted the need for discussion before taking a final position.
How BJP Allies Responded To UCC Plan
The Telugu Desam Party said no discussion has happened on this matter yet. The party added that it would consider the issue when required.
TDP also said authorities must consult different stakeholders before implementing UCC. Meanwhile, JDU said it would discuss the matter with Amit Shah.
JDU working president Sanjay Jha confirmed that the party would meet the Home Minister. He said they would discuss the issue before deciding further.
Earlier, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar supported the idea of UCC. However, he stressed the need for consensus among all communities.
Chirag Paswan Seeks Wider Discussion
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan also maintained a cautious position. He said his party supports both uniformity and diversity.
According to Chirag, the Constitution recognises traditions and customs of different communities. He also mentioned constitutional protections given to Scheduled Tribes.
Furthermore, Chirag said the UCC proposal should first become public. He added that all stakeholders’ interests require consideration.
After wider discussions, his party will decide its position. Therefore, NDA allies are avoiding any immediate commitment on UCC.
JDU And TDP Maintain Independent Positions
JDU and TDP have historically maintained independent positions on several BJP ideological issues. Since 2014, both parties have changed their NDA association over time.
During this period, they sometimes joined NDA and sometimes moved away. In 2019, JDU MPs did not support the Article 370 removal bill.
They also walked out of Parliament during that vote. However, both parties currently appear closer to BJP during PM Modi’s third term.
Despite this proximity, they continue holding separate views on UCC.
What Did Amit Shah Say About UCC?
On September 13, Amit Shah spoke during a press conference in Mumbai. He said 21 BJP-NDA ruled states would implement UCC before 2029.
Shah said several states have already introduced the Uniform Civil Code. He expressed confidence about expanding implementation before the next Lok Sabha elections.
Where Is UCC Currently Implemented?
BJP governments have introduced UCC laws in four states. Uttarakhand has already implemented UCC from January 2025.
Meanwhile, Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh have passed UCC proposals through their assemblies. These states will implement the law after presidential approval.
Additionally, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh have formed committees to prepare UCC laws. Rajasthan’s cabinet has also approved a draft bill.
