UCC push splits ruling NDA as JDU, Chandrababu Naidu, Paswan turn wary
After Amit Shah's announcement on the Uniform Civil Code, NDA allies TDP, JDU, LJP and NCP voice caution or seek clarity from their leadership.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has caused a stir in political circles. The announcement was made in New Delhi, after which several BJP allies have started sounding cautious notes and issuing warnings. Since the UCC proposes a single civil law for all religions across the country, different parties are reacting differently to it.
Krishna Devarayalu, leader of the Telugu Desam Party's parliamentary party in Andhra Pradesh, where the TDP is in power, said clearly that there has been no discussion on the issue yet. However, he said, it would be considered if needed, and all stakeholders would certainly be consulted before the law is adopted. In other words, the TDP has taken a cautious stance without immediately saying yes or no on the issue.
The JDU, part of the BJP-led alliance in Bihar, has also said it will speak to Amit Shah on the matter. Chirag Paswan, chief of another BJP ally, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has also adopted a cautious stance. Paswan said his party is committed to both unity and diversity, and that the Constitution has recognised the traditions of different communities. He also said the UCC's draft should be made public, the interests of stakeholders should be considered, and there should be wide-ranging discussion, after which the party will announce its final position. This means the LJP has neither directly supported nor opposed the UCC, instead calling for discussion from all sides first.
Meanwhile, moves to implement the UCC in Maharashtra have caused unease within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a constituent of the Mahayuti alliance. After Amit Shah's announcement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis indicated that a UCC bill would be brought in the upcoming winter session. This has put NCP national president Sunetra Pawar in a difficult position.
Idris Naikwadi, a Muslim MLC from the NCP in the Legislative Council, has demanded that Sunetra Pawar and state unit chief Sunil Tatkare clarify the party's stand on the issue. In a letter to Pawar and Tatkare, Naikwadi said the NCP is a party founded on secular ideology, and it should therefore immediately clarify its official position on the UCC.
