As NDA Partner, TDP Bound by Amit Shah's Statement on UCC: P Srinivasa Rao

TDP Backs Amit Shah's UCC Statement

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) state president P Srinivasa Rao on Tuesday said the party is bound by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), as the TDP is a partner in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Andhra Pradesh is currently governed by the NDA alliance comprising the TDP, BJP and Jana Sena Party. Rao, who represents the Gajuwaka Assembly constituency, said the party would follow the position outlined by the Union Home Minister.

Amit Shah Sets 2029 UCC Target

Rao's remarks came after Amit Shah said that the Uniform Civil Code would be introduced in all states governed by the NDA before the 2029 Lok Sabha election.

The announcement has triggered political reactions across several states, particularly among NDA allies that have expressed different views on the proposed common civil code.

TDP Says UCC Can Strengthen National Unity

Rao said the TDP believes that the UCC could strengthen the unity of the country. He also argued that the proposed framework could help address gender-related inequalities.

While acknowledging that critics have raised concerns about religious freedom and India's cultural diversity, Rao said the TDP would continue to follow the position of its NDA leadership.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over UCC

The proposed UCC has faced criticism from opposition parties and some political groups that argue a common personal-law framework could affect religious and cultural practices.

In Andhra Pradesh, CPI(M) state secretary V Srinivas Rao opposed the BJP's approach to the UCC. He argued instead for an "equality civil code" focused on protecting women's rights across religious communities.

CPI(M) Questions BJP's Approach

V Srinivas Rao accused the BJP of using the UCC issue for communal politics and suggested that the debate could divert attention from concerns such as unemployment.

He also argued that India's diverse customs relating to marriage, family, divorce and property should be taken into account while discussing any common civil-law framework.

NDA Allies Show Different Positions

The UCC debate has exposed differences among NDA partners. While the TDP has indicated that it will follow Amit Shah's position, JD(U) leaders in Bihar have raised concerns about implementation and called for discussion of the proposed provisions.

Other NDA allies have also taken varying positions, with some calling for wider consultation before taking a final stand.

UCC Debate Gains Political Momentum

The Uniform Civil Code has become an increasingly significant political issue as the BJP-led NDA considers its implementation in more states.

With Andhra Pradesh's ruling alliance now publicly backing Amit Shah's stated position, the TDP's stance could become an important part of the wider national debate over the proposed common civil code.

Conclusion

TDP state president P Srinivasa Rao has said the party will abide by Amit Shah's statement on the Uniform Civil Code because the TDP is an NDA partner. While the TDP believes the UCC can promote national unity and reduce gender inequality, opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh have raised concerns over religious freedom, cultural diversity and the BJP's approach to the issue. The debate is expected to intensify as the NDA moves towards its stated 2029 implementation target.