21 BJP-NDA-Ruled States, One Common Law? Amit Shah Reveals UCC Plan Before 2029

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states will introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, signalling a major push by the ruling alliance to expand the common civil law framework across the country.

Shah made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Mumbai as he highlighted the achievements of the Centre over the past 12 years and the BJP's 25-year journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

“Triple talaq has been abolished, giving Muslim women equal rights. We have introduced the UCC in several states and I am confident that in the 21 BJP-NDA ruled states, we will introduce the UCC before 2029,” Shah said.

The UCC proposes a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, replacing different personal laws followed by various religious communities. Its implementation has remained a politically sensitive issue, with states taking different positions on the proposal.

Shah also highlighted changes in India's criminal justice system following the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He claimed several states had recorded a 30 per cent increase in conviction rates in a single year and said a system was being established to ensure that justice could be delivered within three years.

On national security, Shah cited the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, saying Kashmir was now fully integrated with India. He also claimed the government had ended five decades of Naxalism, with more than 9,000 people surrendering, while over 14 peace agreements had been signed in the Northeast.

Shah said surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor had demonstrated the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

On the proposed NRC in Manipur, Shah said the Centre was consulting allies and political parties in the state on whether the 1951 baseline would be used. He said the decision would be announced after the consultations.

On illegal immigration, Shah reiterated the government's resolve to identify and deport illegal infiltrators but declined to disclose the methods being used to detect them.

He also said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan would be expanded across states, with efforts focused on taking the anti-drugs campaign to the grassroots.