NEW DELHI, Sep 14: Opposition parties on Monday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be implemented in all states governed by BJP led NDA governments before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, accusing the BJP of pursuing a divisive political agenda.
The DMK, CPI(M) and AIMIM announced their opposition to the proposed move, while unease also emerged within the BJP’s ally Janata Dal (United), which shares power with the BJP in Bihar.
JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha said the party’s leaders would soon meet Shah to discuss the issue after the Home Minister said the UCC would be introduced in 21 BJP-NDA ruled states before 2029.
“We will soon meet Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the issue,” Jha told PTI.
Shah, speaking at a press conference in Mumbai on Sunday, said the abolition of triple talaq had provided Muslim women equal rights and highlighted the introduction of civil code measures in several states. He expressed confidence that the UCC would be implemented across all 21 states under BJP-NDA governments before the next general election.
The JD(U), which has 12 members in the Lok Sabha, remains an important constituent of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party also governs Bihar in partnership with the BJP.
The CPI(M) strongly objected to Shah’s announcement, arguing that uniformity in personal laws did not automatically guarantee equality. The Left party alleged that the BJP was turning the issue into a communal and majoritarian political campaign ahead of the 2029 elections.
It also accused the BJP of diverting attention from concerns such as unemployment, inflation, agrarian distress and issues affecting students. The CPI(M) said it would oppose the proposed implementation.
DMK leader T K Elangovan described the move as unconstitutional, arguing that citizens’ fundamental rights include the freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion under Article 25 of the Constitution.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi also opposed Shah’s remarks, alleging that the BJP’s initiative was aimed at Muslims rather than promoting equality. He referred to Articles 14, 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution while arguing that religious freedom and minority rights could be affected.
Owaisi further said India’s pluralistic character was central to its identity and claimed that a common civil code could effectively impose Hindu personal law on other communities.
Within the JD(U), senior leader and former minister Shyam Rajak said the party remained opposed to implementing the UCC in Bihar. He pointed to Nitish Kumar’s earlier position that while the party had supported the UCC Bill in Parliament, it was not in favour of introducing the law in Bihar.
“Our stand is clear, the question of implementing UCC in Bihar does not arise,” Rajak said in Patna, stressing that the Bihar government functions with the support of its alliance partners.
Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to enact a comprehensive UCC, with its law taking effect in January 2025. The legislation covers areas including marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships.
Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa have also enacted measures related to a common civil code. Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal have formed committees to examine or draft legislation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said his government would proceed after the committee preparing the draft submits its report. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has also indicated that his BJP-led government is prepared to implement the code if directed by the Centre.
Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad welcomed Shah’s announcement, describing the proposed legislation as an important step towards eliminating gender inequality and discrimination.