A fresh political discussion over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is taking shape within Bihar’s ruling alliance after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the law would be introduced in all 21 BJP-led NDA states before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Amid the renewed debate, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has called a meeting of the party’s MPs, MLAs and members of the Legislative Council in Patna on September 18. The UCC is expected to be among the issues discussed, while the Farakka Water Treaty may also come up during the meeting.
The meeting comes as the JD(U), an important NDA ally with 12 Lok Sabha MPs, has maintained a cautious position on the proposed legislation. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the party has not yet seen the details of the proposed UCC law and would study its provisions before deciding its position.
Chaudhary said there was “no reason to make haste” and indicated that the party would communicate any concerns to Amit Shah. He also said the JD(U) would have no reason to oppose provisions it finds acceptable, while objections would be raised if the proposed law contains issues of concern.
JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha has also indicated that discussions with Shah would take place on the issue as the party weighs its position.
Amit Shah Sets 2029 UCC Target
The latest debate began after Shah said in Mumbai on September 13 that he was confident the UCC would be introduced across all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The proposed Uniform Civil Code is intended to create a common framework for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, replacing different religion-based personal laws with a common legal framework.
The announcement has prompted discussions among NDA allies, with parties examining how the proposed legislation could affect their respective states and political positions.
Owaisi Criticises UCC Push
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has opposed the proposed UCC and accused the BJP and RSS of seeking to impose Hindu personal laws on non-Hindu communities.
Owaisi has also raised questions over the treatment of tribal communities under UCC proposals and argued that the legislation could have implications for religious freedom and minority rights. His remarks represent the opposition to the proposal from his party and should be distinguished from the government’s stated position on the UCC.
JD(U) Position Still Being Worked Out
Within the JD(U), leaders have expressed different views over the implementation of the UCC in Bihar. While some party leaders have opposed its implementation in the state, Chaudhary has maintained that the party will first examine the actual legislation before taking a final position.
The September 18 meeting could therefore become an important forum for the JD(U) to discuss the proposal internally and determine how it approaches the UCC issue while remaining part of the NDA.
The debate also comes against the backdrop of different stages of UCC-related legislation across states. Uttarakhand has already brought its UCC into force, while other states have taken legislative or preparatory steps. The exact legal framework and implementation process differ from state to state.
