Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde on Tuesday backed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the proposed introduction of the Uniform Civil Code in NDA-ruled states, saying Sena founder late Bal Thackeray had envisioned the common law for all.
“‘Hinduhridaysamrat’ Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision was ‘one country, one law’ with equal justice for all. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also stated the same position on UCC,” Shinde said.
He added that the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra remains positive about the Uniform Civil Code and will make a definitive decision at an appropriate time.
The JD(U), in particular, has made it clear that its support for the UCC at the national level does not mean it will allow the law to be implemented in Bihar.
‘Support The Bill, But Won’t Allow It In Bihar’
JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak reiterated the party’s position on Monday, saying its stand had not changed since the issue was discussed in Parliament. “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.”
The party has also indicated that it will take up the issue with the BJP leadership. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan said working president Sanjay Kumar Jha will soon hold talks with Shah on the matter.
The JD(U) has historically maintained that any move towards UCC should take into account the country’s social and religious diversity and involve wider consultation.
The Bihar position could become significant because the JD(U) is a key BJP ally in the state, where the two parties are part of the ruling NDA.
Chirag Paswan’s Demand
Another BJP ally, LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan, has also refrained from giving an immediate green signal to the UCC.
Paswan underlined that India’s diversity would have to be considered before the party takes a final position.
“India’s social fabric is diverse. Every class has its own civic traditions and customs. The Constitution itself has acknowledged this—the Fifth-Sixth Schedule, Articles 371A and 371G, and the exemptions granted to Scheduled Tribes in every code so far are proof of this.
“My party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is committed to both equality and diversity. 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 Backs UCC, But Wants Stakeholders Involved
The TDP, which is an important BJP ally at the Centre, has expressed support for the UCC, while also stressing the need for consultation.
TDP parliamentary party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu told The Indian Express: “We will be supporting it. As of now, there is no discussion. But whenever we find the need for it, we will be looking into it. We will definitely involve various stakeholders before we adopt it.”
A TDP leader also told The Indian Express that the UCC was “very much needed in a country like India, which has different religions and cultures”.
The party’s current position marks a shift from its earlier stance. Before joining the NDA after the 2024 Lok Sabha election, TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had said that when it “comes to a UCC, the TDP will stand with the Muslim community”.
Shiv Sena, HAM Back Shah’s Announcement
Shiv Sena has backed Shah’s UCC push more firmly, with party leader Shrikant Shinde saying: “The UCC is rooted in the principles of equality, justice and national unity. It has also been a long-standing ideological position of our founder Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray. As an ideological ally, it is our bounden duty to stand firmly with the government in fulfilling the commitments made to the people of India. Our leader Eknath Shinde is deeply committed to the implementation of the UCC and to advancing the vision of a strong, united and progressive India.”
Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) national president Santosh Kumar Suman has also “wholeheartedly” welcomed Shah’s statement and extended his party’s support to UCC.
What Did Amit Shah Say About UCC?
Shah announced on Sunday that the BJP-led NDA governments would implement the UCC in all 21 states under their rule before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Shah said, “Triple Talaq has been abolished, giving Muslim women equal rights. We have introduced Uniform Civil Code in several states and I am confident that in the 21 BJP-NDA ruled states, we will introduce UCC before 2029.”
The BJP has chosen a state-by-state route for the UCC rather than seeking to introduce one nationwide law at this stage. Uttarakhand already has a UCC in force, while Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh have passed legislation related to it.
