Amaravati, Sep 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in all 21 NDA-ruled states before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections has triggered a fresh political debate within the ruling alliance. The response from key allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) shows that there is not a uniform Stand on the issue.
Speaking to the PTI Telugu Desam Party Andhra Pradesh president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao has said that the party, as an NDA partner, is bound by Amit Shah’s statement on the UCC.
Rao said that while some critics believe the UCC could affect religious freedom and India’s cultural diversity, the TDP believes it can strengthen national unity and reduce gender discrimination. He made it clear that the party would follow the position announced by the Union Home Minister.
The TDP leader statement is significant because his party had taken a more cautious position on the UCC in the past. In July 2023, when the UCC was being discussed nationally, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu met Muslim religious leaders and community representatives in Andhra Pradesh.
At that meeting, Naidu said the TDP would study the proposed UCC draft and consider the concerns raised by the Muslim community. He also had said the party would not take a decision that would go against the interests or religious sentiments of Muslims.
The TDP’s latest statement revived questions about how the Ruling Party in AP will balance its commitments as an NDA ally with its earlier assurances to minority communities.
However, another important NDA ally, the JD(U), said there is no reason to make a hasty decision on the UCC. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said there is “no reason to make haste” on the issue. He said the party would first study the proposed legislation and examine its provisions before taking a final decision. The JD(U) also plans to discuss the issue with its NDA partners in Bihar.
