The Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) has formally requested a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to express its apprehensions regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This request follows Shah’s recent announcement that the UCC would be rolled out across all 21 states governed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by 2029.

Sources indicate that the UCC aims to establish uniform personal laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of an individual’s religious background. JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha is anticipated to convey the party’s stance during this meeting. He is likely to insist that the UCC should only be implemented following comprehensive consultations with various religious groups, state governments, and other interested parties.

The urgency of this meeting is underscored by earlier remarks from JD(U) general secretary Shyam Rajak, who stated that the UCC would not be permitted to be enacted in Bihar “under any circumstances.” This comment has heightened speculation regarding internal disagreements within the NDA regarding the topic.

Call for Comprehensive Consultations

According to insiders, the JD(U) is not fundamentally opposed to discussions surrounding the UCC. However, the party has expressed reservations about advancing the initiative without engaging in broader consultations. JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar emphasised that the party remains guided by a letter written by Nitish Kumar to the Law Commission when he served as Chief Minister of Bihar.

Kumar remarked, “Our party has a clear understanding of the UCC. That letter remains our guiding principle. It clearly states that no community should be hurt. The country belongs to everyone.” He further noted that no official draft of the UCC has been released, and that no state has made a definitive decision following Shah’s announcement.

It indicates a need for clarity and transparency in the development of the code.  Kumar’s comments reflect the JD(U)’s broader commitment to ensuring that community interests are taken into account before any significant legal changes are introduced.

BJP’s Strategy to Address Allies’ Concerns

Sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have indicated that the concerns raised by its allies regarding the UCC are not novel and that the party is committed to addressing these issues through consultations. The BJP plans to showcase the example of Uttarakhand, where the UCC was implemented following discussions with various stakeholders, as a model during its talks with partner organisations.

The expectation is that a consensus can be established as it was on previous matters, such as Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act, triple talaq, and modifications to the Waqf law. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has not yet responded to Shah’s announcement but has previously stated that it would formulate its position only after scrutinising a formal draft and engaging in broader discussions.

The TDP’s cautious approach may complicate efforts for the BJP to unify all its NDA allies in support of the UCC initiative, highlighting the complexities involved in reaching consensus among diverse political entities. In summary, the unfolding dialogue surrounding the UCC underscores the necessity for thorough and inclusive discussions. As various political actors await a more detailed framework of the proposed code, the dynamics of the NDA coalition remain under scrutiny amidst these developments.

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