New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) intensified on Monday following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement that the proposed common personal law framework would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029.
While BJP leaders and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) strongly backed the move, some NDA allies, opposition leaders and Muslim organisations called for wider consultations and greater clarity on the proposed legislation.
BJP leaders argued that a common set of personal laws would promote national unity and social reform. BJP MP Naresh Bansal pointed to Uttarakhand, the first state to enact a UCC law, as a model for other states. BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya reiterated the party’s support, saying there should be “one law in one country”, while party leader Dilip Ghosh called for the process to begin in West Bengal.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the proposal was consistent with Article 44 of the Constitution, which directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also welcomed Shah’s announcement.
The VHP described the move as significant for women’s and children’s rights. Its spokesperson Vinod Bansal said a UCC could help address gender inequality and discrimination and urged non-BJP-ruled states to begin the process.
However, the announcement also highlighted differences within the NDA. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas leader Chirag Paswan called for the UCC draft to be made public before implementation and sought extensive consultations, citing India’s diverse customs, traditions and constitutional protections for tribal communities and special-category regions.
Jharkhand Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav also adopted a cautious position, saying the state government would examine all aspects and there was no need to rush.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the proposal, with Bhopal Shahar Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadvi questioning its necessity in view of constitutional guarantees relating to religious freedom and minority rights. He also appealed for participation in a September 17 protest at Jantar Mantar.
Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari accused the BJP of using the UCC debate to divert attention from economic and social issues.
The UCC seeks a common framework for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, irrespective of religion. Bills have been passed in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh, but the law is currently in force only in Uttarakhand.
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