'If Allies Aren't Ready, How Will UCC Be Implemented': Omar Abdullah Challenges BJP

Omar Abdullah Questions BJP's UCC Plan

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday challenged the BJP over its plan to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across all 21 states governed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before 2029. His remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent assertion that the UCC would be implemented across the NDA-ruled states.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah questioned how the BJP could implement the UCC nationwide when some of its own NDA allies have expressed reservations about the proposal.

'If Allies Aren't Ready, How Can It Be Implemented?'

Abdullah specifically referred to the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), which he said had indicated that it would not support implementation of the UCC in Bihar if the provisions were not acceptable.

He argued that disagreement among NDA partners could make the BJP's broader UCC objective difficult to achieve. Abdullah also expressed doubts about the government's ability to secure parliamentary approval for the proposed legislation.

Amit Shah's 2029 UCC Target

The controversy follows Amit Shah's statement that the UCC would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029.

Shah said the UCC had already been introduced in several states and expressed confidence that the remaining NDA-governed states would also adopt it before the deadline.

The Uniform Civil Code is intended to establish a common set of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and related civil issues, replacing different personal-law frameworks.

Debate Over Parliament's Role

Abdullah also questioned the idea of implementing the civil code through separate state-level initiatives. He argued that civil legislation of this nature falls within the domain of Parliament and questioned why the process was being pursued state by state.

His comments add to the wider political debate over whether the UCC should be introduced through a central law or through individual states.

NDA Allies Face UCC Pressure

The UCC issue could create political challenges within the NDA because coalition partners have different positions on the proposal. Abdullah's remarks specifically highlighted the importance of agreement among alliance partners before the BJP can pursue its nationwide objective.

The issue is particularly significant in states where regional parties are part of the NDA but have reservations about aspects of the proposed code.

Omar Abdullah Also Comments on Pahalgam Attack

During his interaction with reporters, Abdullah also welcomed the inclusion of a reference to the Pahalgam terror attack in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration.

He described the reference as a significant achievement for India's foreign policy, particularly given the participation of countries that maintain close relations with Pakistan.

Abdullah Welcomes Steps to Reduce Border Tensions

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also welcomed diplomatic or military measures that could reduce tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC).

He said lower troop deployments and reduced tensions would benefit people living close to the borders, where prolonged security tensions have a direct impact on daily life.

Conclusion

Omar Abdullah's comments have added a fresh political challenge to the BJP-led government's ambitious UCC roadmap. By pointing to differences among NDA allies, particularly JD(U), Abdullah questioned whether the government can secure the political and parliamentary support needed to implement the Uniform Civil Code nationwide. The debate is likely to remain an important issue in Indian politics as the government pursues its 2029 implementation target.