Amit Shah Announces Goal for Uniform Civil Code in All NDA States by 2029

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Sunday that the government aims to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in all 21 states ruled by the BJP led NDA before the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shah stated that the UCC would establish a uniform legal framework for matters such as marriage, inheritance, and divorce. While Uttarakhand has already fully enforced the legislation, other states including Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh are awaiting presidential assent and notification. Tribal groups have been exempted from the UCC to preserve their ethnic customs and identity.

Regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, Shah said the government is currently discussing the matter with alliance partners and various groups. He reiterated a commitment to identify and deport illegal immigrants, specifically mentioning illegal Bangladeshis, though he declined to reveal the specific tools used for detection.

Shah also highlighted several achievements of the NDA government over the last 12 years. He cited the abolition of triple talaq to ensure equal rights for Muslim women and the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir. He noted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been effectively enforced, contributing to a 30 percent conviction rate in one year. Additionally, Shah claimed the government has ruthlessly tackled Naxalism and maintained a zero tolerance policy on terrorism through actions such as surgical strikes and Operation Sindoor.

Beyond policy and security, Shah inaugurated a manuscript exhibition titled Shri Ganesh Dnyanarati at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, where he argued that knowledge should be uninhibited and free from ideology. He also pledged government policy support and an investment of 50,000 crore rupees for the gems and jewellery industry, including the construction of a new bourse in Jaipur. Finally, he mentioned the upcoming Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, a mass outreach campaign starting September 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in elected office.