AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday questioned the political independence of BJP-led NDA allies after Union home minister Amit Shah announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be introduced in all 21 NDA-governed states before 2029.
Responding to Shah's remarks, Owaisi asked whether the alliance partners had an independent political voice and challenged them to demonstrate that they were not merely "choti BJP".
Owaisi invokes pluralism in UCC criticism
In a post on X, Owaisi cited the Law Commission appointed by the NDA government, claiming that it had concluded that a UCC was "neither necessary nor desirable".
He argued that pluralism was at the heart of India and alleged that implementing a UCC would amount to imposing Hindu law on non-Hindus.
"A UCC isn't about equality; it's about targeting Muslims," Owaisi said.
The AIMIM chief also criticised BJP-ruled states over laws such as the Disturbed Areas Act, alleging that they restricted property transactions between Muslims and Hindus. He further alleged that so-called "love jihad" laws had been applied exclusively against Christians and Muslims.
Shah sets 2029 deadline for UCC
Shah made the announcement in Mumbai on Sunday while speaking about the BJP's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', a month-long nationwide outreach campaign marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life and power.
"We introduced the Uniform Civil Code in several states. I am confident that in the 21 BJP-NDA ruled states, we will introduce the UCC before 2029," Shah said.
Shah has presented the UCC as part of the government's broader reform agenda, pointing to the abolition of triple talaq and describing it as a measure aimed at ensuring equal rights. Recent reporting on his Mumbai remarks said the proposed code would cover areas including marriage, divorce and inheritance, while tribal communities would be exempt to protect their ethnic customs and traditions.
Uttarakhand became the first state to enact a UCC law in February 2024 and implement it from January 2025. Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh are awaiting presidential assent and notification, while Maharashtra, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh have formed committees to draft legislation.
Owaisi links UCC debate to CAA-NRC protests
Owaisi also connected Shah's latest remarks with the anti-CAA/NRC protests of 2019. He alleged that the home minister's "misplaced arrogance" and "chronology" had contributed to the unrest.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently clarified that no NRC would be implemented.
The AIMIM chief also criticised the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise had placed an additional burden on minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and migrants.
He warned that an NRC would be "100 times worse", citing the experience of Assam.
"The National Register of Citizens will force everyone to stand in line and prove their citizenship," Owaisi said, questioning how people dependent on government ration would arrange documents to establish their citizenship.
NRC discussions continue in Manipur
Shah has said discussions are underway with NDA allies and political parties in Manipur over the possible implementation of the NRC across the country. The discussions include whether 1951 should be used as the baseline for the exercise in the northeastern state.
"We are discussing these issues with our allies and also with the political parties of Manipur. Whatever decision is taken, we will inform you," Shah said.
The UCC announcement therefore comes alongside an ongoing debate over the NRC, with both issues likely to remain politically contentious as the country moves towards the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Recent reports have also highlighted that some NDA allies have sought consultation on the UCC, underscoring the political challenge of implementing a uniform personal-law framework across the alliance's states.