Why are BJP allies in Uttar Pradesh cautious about supporting the Uniform Civil Code?

BJP allies in Uttar Pradesh are exercising caution in declaring their support for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) due to concerns over how its provisions may affect local customs and the potential backlash in a caste-sensitive political environment.

What role does the Uniform Civil Code play in BJP’s political strategy in Uttar Pradesh?

The Uniform Civil Code is a key part of BJP's core ideological goals and is viewed as a strategy to counter opposition narratives, especially with upcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

How is the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code progressing in NDA-ruled states?

The Uniform Civil Code is being pushed by the NDA, with recent bills passed in Assam, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh awaiting presidential approval, while BJP aims for nationwide implementation by 2029.

BJP partners in Uttar Pradesh yet to open cards on Uniform Civil Code

For the BJP, UCC is part of its core ideological troika, besides the Ram Temple and the abrogation of Article 370.

Published on: Sep 16, 2026, 09:57:23 IST

By Pawan Dixit

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The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners in Uttar Pradesh seem to be treading with caution in declaring their support to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), especially ahead of the assembly polls in the country’s most populous province.

The contentious issue has returned to the state’s political discourse after Union home minister Amit Shah, on September 13, asserted that the UCC would be implemented in all NDA-ruled states before 2029.

For the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), UCC is part of its core ideological troika, besides the Ram Temple and the abrogation of Article 370.

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“The UCC has always been part of BJP’s core goal and election manifesto like the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K. The party is committed to bring UCC,” said Dinesh Pratap Singh, state BJP’s chief spokesperson. “Now, after Union home minister’s statement, the state government will move in this direction.”

Also Read | Will Uniform Civil Code be an issue in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh?

A section of the BJP believes the UCC might help the party in countering the opposition’s poll plank in the caste-sensitive state ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.

“The narrative around UCC will help the party counter the opposition’s poll plank on caste to some extent,” said a senior BJP leader, requesting anonymity.

BJP’s allies in Uttar Pradesh, however, are yet to disclose their official stand, while treading the issue with caution.

“I will not comment on the issue at present. I will get back after consulting the party high command,” said Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) national general secretary Anil Dubey. Led by Jayant Chaudhary, the RLD is part of the NDA at the Centre and in the state, with its core base being Jats and farmers in western UP.

Another alliance partner, Apna Dal (Soneylal), which has a core base of Kurmis and non-Yadav OBCs in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is also yet to formally announce its support to the UCC. Party’s state chief RP Gautam refused to comment, saying the party high command will comment on the issue. Party chief Anupriya Patel is a junior minister at the Centre.

Also Read | Uniform Civil Code bills await President’s nod in Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), led by Om Prakash Rajbhar, has also not made its stand clear on the UCC.

To be sure, none of the BJP’s allies in UP have openly opposed Shah’s assertion on the UCC.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in a post on X on Tuesday said: “Public understands that the UCC [that] BJP is talking about actually has a different full form: UCC = Underground Communal Conspiracy. First fulfil previous promises, then bring UCC. Transfer ₹15 lakh into accounts, then bring UCC. Provide 2 crore jobs, then bring UCC.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pawan Dixit
Pawan Dixit, Assistant Editor, brings over 20 years of frontline reporting experience to the newsroom. A specialist on Uttar Pradesh politics and governance, he has reported from the ground across the state’s most consequential stories. He cut his teeth in eastern UP, spending 15 years covering the region. Based in Varanasi, he reported the 2012 UP Assembly polls and the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that reshaped the state’s political map. Moving to Lucknow in 2016, he has since led coverage of the 2017 and 2022 UP Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. His reporting tracks the BJP’s strategy, opposition moves, and voter sentiment across all 75 districts. Pawan has been a constant presence in Ayodhya since 2016. He reported the entire arc of the Ram Mandir movement — from the legal fight to the Supreme Court verdict, through temple construction, to the inauguration. He continues to track every development at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. On the state beat, he covers the BJP, the Industrial Development Department, and handles key outstation political assignments. He also reports major cases from the district court, Lucknow bench of the High Court, and the State Information Commission. Along with this, he also reports on NGT's important decisions related to UP. Known for sharp sourcing and clear analysis, Pawan connects politics, policy, infrastructure and faith — the forces driving UP today. He has reported developments in Ayodhya and Ram Mandir movement since 2016. The Supreme Court's Ram Mandir verdict, temple construction and the its opening have been reported by him. He reports all developments in Ayodhya and Ram Mandir Trust. He covers state BJP, Industrial development department, outstation political assignments, reports special cases from district court, high court and state information commissionRead More

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