UCC in 21 NDA States Before 2029: Amit Shah’s Big Announcement Sparks Debate
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across 21 NDA‑ruled states before the 2029 general elections.
The declaration has reignited political debate, with Odisha’s Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari clarifying that the state need not prepare for UCC yet, as the matter rests with the central government.
The BJP, which had promised UCC in its election manifesto, argues that the reform will ensure equal rights for all citizens by standardising laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and women’s rights.
Opposition parties, however, have raised concerns.
The BJD criticised the move as partisan, insisting that UCC should apply nationwide rather than selectively in NDA states.
Congress leaders warned that the reform could deepen divisions among communities and undermine tribal rights.
Former administrators also cautioned that India’s cultural diversity may be compromised by a uniform legal framework.
Currently, UCC is in force in Uttarakhand, while Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh have introduced bills to adopt it.
The Modi government has previously abolished triple talaq and revoked Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, framing UCC as another step toward legal uniformity.
