UCC to be implemented in 21 NDA-ruled states before 2029, declares Amit Shah

Mumbai: Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance governments across 21 states will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) prior to 2029, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Sunday.

Speaking to journalists whilst outlining the central government's achievements over the past 12 years and reflecting on the party's 25-year trajectory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Shah detailed upcoming legislative priorities.

"Triple talaq has been abolished, giving Muslim women equal rights. We have introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states, and I am confident that in the 21 BJP-NDA-ruled states, we will introduce the UCC before 2029," Shah said. The next general election is slated for 2029.

Shah asserted that the administration had revamped the nation's criminal justice system by enacting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, noting that multiple states experienced a 30 per cent rise in conviction rates over a single year.

He added that institutional mechanisms were being put in place to ensure judicial proceedings culminate within three years.

Addressing national security, Shah stated that the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A was accomplished without bloodshed or firearm usage, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is now seamlessly integrated into India.

He maintained that the government had effectively dismantled five decades of Naxalite insurgency and negotiated upwards of 14 peace accords across India's north-eastern states.

"More than 9,000 people have surrendered, and today we have taken the North-East on the path of development," Shah said.

He credited military operations, including surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor, with establishing a policy of zero tolerance against cross-border terrorism.

Responding to queries regarding whether 1951 would serve as the baseline year for executing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, Shah indicated that consultations with regional partners and political factions remain ongoing.

"We are discussing these issues with our allies and also with the political parties of Manipur. Whatever decision is taken, we will inform you," he said.

When questioned about detecting illegal Bangladeshi migrants in metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Shah declined to reveal specific operational methodologies.

"You are asking the Home Minister to make the tools public and tell you how it will be done. Then how will we catch them? They will also come to know," he quipped.

Shah reaffirmed the administration's commitment to locating and deporting undocumented migrants.

"I repeat our resolve that we will take out each and every illegal infiltrator from this country, identifying them one by one and sending them out," he said.

Turning to anti-narcotics efforts, Shah highlighted his recent launch of the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' (Drug-Free India Campaign), announcing plans to tour every state to oversee its implementation.

He noted having conferred with a state chief minister the previous day, adding that a day-long conference would be convened to drive the initiative to the local level.

"It will definitely reach the grassroots and India will achieve victory over drugs," Shah said.

PTI