A dispute erupted on Wednesday after All India Majlis‑e‑Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that Union Home Minister Amit Shah said all 21 NDA‑ruled states would implement before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Owaisi argued that the UCC was not aimed at equality but at targeting the 18 crore Muslims in India, claiming it would impose Hindu laws on non‑Hindus.
In response, BJP leaders defended the proposal. Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishwas Sarang told IANS that the UCC would apply the same legal provisions to everyone, including marriage, and that it would prevent multiple marriages. BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana said the law would be uniform for all citizens and that there was no reason for concern in a democratic country. BJP National Spokesperson Guru Prakash called Owaisi’s remarks misleading, insisting the UCC would be universal and not based on Hindu rules.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap urged Owaisi to familiarize himself with the UCC provisions, arguing it was intended to promote social equality rather than target any religion or caste. Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma criticized Owaisi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for opposing the UCC, suggesting they sought votes from 80 per cent of Hindus.
The debate highlights differing views on the UCC’s objectives, with BJP leaders stressing uniformity and equality, while Owaisi and his party raise concerns about religious and communal implications. The UCC remains a contentious issue across Indian politics.
