New Delhi: A political storm has erupted ever since Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be implemented in 21 states across the country. Following his statement, opposition parties have begun criticising the government. In this context, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has described the move as an attempt to impose Hindu rules and regulations on non-Hindus.
Speaking at an event in Bhopal, Owaisi challenged the government to bring the country’s tribal communities under the ambit of the UCC. Meanwhile, reports indicate that former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has convened a crucial meeting today with all JDU MPs, MLAs, and Legislative Council members. The UCC bill is believed to be the primary agenda behind this meeting.
Debate sparked by Amit Shah’s statement
The debate over the UCC in India was ignited by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement. During an event in Mumbai on Sunday, he claimed that the UCC bill would be introduced in 21 states before 2029. His statement caused a political upheaval. Concurrently, the BJP has begun efforts to implement the UCC in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the assembly elections.
Early Tuesday morning, CM Yogi Adityanath visited Delhi for a four-hour trip, during which he met with Home Minister Amit Shah. Additionally, senior minister Bhupendra Chaudhary announced that the UCC bill would soon be tabled in the UP Legislative Assembly. This announcement intensified political rhetoric across the state.
Nitish Kumar calls a crucial meeting.
Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on the UCC bill triggered widespread speculation and discussion across various states. The path for the UCC in Bihar is not easy for the BJP; while two JDU MLAs openly opposed the UCC, other leaders attempted to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that Nitish Kumar has called a meeting of all party MPs, MLAs, and Legislative Council members. Deliberations regarding the Farakka Water Treaty and the UCC are expected to take place during this meeting. Ahead of the meeting, Bihar Deputy CM and senior JD(U) leader Vijay Chaudhary stated that the party would determine its stance only after all apprehensions are addressed.
States where the path to UCC is easier
It is worth noting that while the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is bound to be a major issue in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, there appear to be no hurdles to its implementation in BJP-ruled states. The UCC has already been implemented in Uttarakhand (effective from 2025), and Goa already has a Uniform Civil Code in place. The bill has been passed by the legislative assemblies of Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh, while work is at an advanced stage in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.
