Will implement Uniform Civil Code before 2029 Lok Sabha polls: Shah

Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in all states governed by the BJP-led NDA before the 2029 general election, signalling a major push by the ruling alliance on a key ideological issue.

Speaking to journalists in Mumbai, Shah said the UCC would replace the different personal laws followed by various religious communities with a common legal framework for all citizens. Matters including marriage, divorce, property rights and adoption would be governed by the same laws irrespective of religion. He noted that the process of implementing the UCC has already begun in some BJP-ruled states.

Shah also underlined the Centre’s hardline approach to terrorism, citing India’s surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor as examples of its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. He said national security would remain the government’s foremost priority.

Meanwhile, Shah announced a month-long nationwide ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ from September 17 to October 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's completion of 25 years in public life. The campaign will highlight Modi’s tenure as Gujarat chief minister and prime minister and take its message across districts, Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies and polling booths.

NDA allies, voluntary organisations and the public are expected to participate in the outreach campaign. As part of the programme, a motorcycle journey will be organised from Kashi to Vadnagar in Gujarat, the birthplace of Modi.

The journey will begin at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on September 17, with water from 10 sacred rivers being offered at the shrine, and will conclude in Vadnagar on October 7 after nearly 20 days.