Indian Home Minister Amit Shah says the BJP-led alliance aims to implement the Uniform Civil Code in all 21 NDA-governed states before the 2029 national elections.
Web Desk: India’s BJP-led government is pushing for a wider rollout of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with Home Minister Amit Shah saying the measure could be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance before the 2029 general elections.
Shah made the announcement on Sunday as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party seeks to advance one of its long-standing political objectives. At least four Indian states have implemented the UCC so far.
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
India already has common criminal laws, but personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession have traditionally been governed by different laws and customs applicable to various religious and social communities.
The proposed UCC seeks to establish a common framework for such civil matters regardless of religion.
Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to bring a Uniform Civil Code into force, with its UCC taking effect on January 27, 2025. The state framework covers areas including marriage, divorce, maintenance and inheritance and also requires registration of live-in relationships.
Government plans expansion before 2029
Amit Shah said the government has already introduced the UCC in several states and expressed confidence that it will be implemented across all 21 NDA-governed states by 2029.
The BJP has promoted the UCC as part of its broader agenda of creating uniform civil rules and advancing what it describes as equal rights for citizens.
Supporters argue that a common civil framework would strengthen women’s rights, including through provisions dealing with polygamy and inheritance.
Concerns among Muslim community
The proposed expansion has also generated opposition and concern, particularly among Muslim citizens and other groups who argue that replacing community-specific personal laws could affect religious freedoms and established traditions.
India is home to an estimated 220 million Muslims, making it one of the world’s largest Muslim populations. The debate over the UCC therefore carries significant political and social implications.
Opposition parties and some political allies have also raised questions about the scope and implementation of the policy, particularly given India’s religious and cultural diversity.
UCC becomes part of 2029 political roadmap
The push comes ahead of India’s next national elections, which are scheduled for 2029.
Modi secured a third consecutive term as prime minister in 2024, although the BJP was required to form a coalition government after failing to secure a parliamentary majority on its own.
The government’s latest commitment indicates that the UCC is likely to remain an important political and constitutional issue in India as the country moves towards the next general election.
