UCC Before 2029? TDP, Shiv Sena Back Amit Shah as JD(U) Draws Red Line Over Bihar

UCC Before 2029: NDA Allies Back Shah, But JD(U) Says Bihar Won’t Implement It

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in all 21 BJP-NDA-ruled states before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections has highlighted differences within the ruling alliance.

While allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Shiv Sena and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) have welcomed the proposal, the Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have adopted a more cautious position, stressing the need for consultation before taking a final decision.

The strongest objection has come from the JD(U), which has reiterated that its support for the UCC at the national level does not mean the law will be implemented in Bihar.

JD(U) Repeats Its Bihar Stand

JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak said the party had not changed its position on the issue.

“When this Bill came to Parliament, our leader (Nitish Kumar) had clearly said that he supports the Bill, but will not allow it to be implemented in his state. We stand by that,” Rajak said on Monday.

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan said the party’s working president, Sanjay Kumar Jha, would hold discussions with Shah on the matter.

The JD(U) has consistently maintained that any move towards a UCC should consider India’s social and religious diversity and be preceded by broad consultations.

The issue could prove politically significant in Bihar, where the JD(U) is a crucial BJP ally and part of the ruling NDA government.

Chirag Paswan Seeks Clarity Before Support

LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has also stopped short of giving unconditional support to the UCC.

Paswan said the country’s diverse social structure and existing constitutional safeguards would need to be taken into account before his party reaches a final position.

“India’s social fabric is diverse. Every class has its own civic traditions and customs,” he said, referring to constitutional provisions and exemptions concerning tribal communities.

Paswan said his party supports both equality and diversity and wants the UCC draft to be made public before a decision is taken.

“Let the draft be made public, let there be an assessment of the interests of all stakeholders, let there be extensive discussions. Thereafter, after review, the party will state its position,” he said.

TDP Supports UCC, Calls for Consultation

The TDP has backed the UCC in principle but wants various stakeholders to be consulted before the party formally adopts it.

TDP parliamentary party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said, “We will be supporting it,” while adding that the party would examine the proposal and involve stakeholders when discussions begin.

A TDP leader also described the UCC as important for a country with multiple religions and cultures.

The party’s current position differs from its stance before the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Before returning to the NDA, TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had said that his party would stand with the Muslim community on the UCC issue.

Shiv Sena and HAM Welcome Shah’s Move

Shiv Sena has offered more unequivocal support to Shah’s announcement.

Party leader Shrikant Shinde said the UCC reflected the principles of equality, justice and national unity. He also described it as part of the ideological legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

Shinde said the party would stand firmly with the government in implementing its commitments and highlighted Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s support for the UCC.

Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) national president Santosh Kumar Suman also welcomed Shah’s announcement and extended his party’s support to the proposal.

Shah Sets 2029 Deadline

Shah announced on Sunday that BJP-led NDA governments would introduce the UCC in all 21 states under their rule before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Shah pointed to the abolition of triple talaq and UCC-related measures already adopted by several states.

“I am confident that in the 21 BJP-NDA ruled states, we will introduce UCC before 2029,” Shah said.

The BJP has so far pursued a state-wise strategy for the UCC rather than introducing a single nationwide law.

Uttarakhand has already brought a UCC into force, while Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh have taken legislative steps related to the code.

With allies differing over the pace, scope and implementation of the UCC, the BJP’s 2029 target is likely to trigger further negotiations within the NDA, particularly in states such as Bihar where coalition partners have drawn clear lines on the issue.