Will Maharashtra Be Next In Line To Implement UCC? Here's What Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Said

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister stated that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state will be discussed with the Chief Minister and another Deputy Chief Minister before a decision is made.

File Photo of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Source : PTI

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said that a decision on implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state will be taken after discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. His remarks came in response to a query on whether Maharashtra would follow the footsteps of Uttarakhand and Gujarat, where a panel has been announced to examine the UCC.

When asked if UCC will be implemented in the state in line with Uttarakhand and Gujarat where a panel has been announced today, "Our CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and I will sit together to discuss this and make a decision", news agency ANI reported 

#WATCH | When asked if UCC will be implemented in the state in line with Uttarakhand and Gujarat where a panel has been announced today, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, "CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and I will sit together to discuss this and make a decision." pic.twitter.com/sAnOg3pxO1

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2025

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Gujarat government on Tuesday constituted a five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai, to assess the need for a UCC and draft a bill accordingly. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the panel will submit its report within 45 days, after which a decision on implementation will be taken.  

“To assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code and to prepare a draft bill, we have decided to form a committee under a former judge of the Supreme Court,” CM Patel told reporters, as quoted by news agency PTI. He added that the panel will consult religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community, before finalising its report.  

The committee includes retired IAS officer CL Meena, advocate RC Kodekar, former vice chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff. The BJP-ruled Uttarakhand has already implemented the UCC, Patel said, asserting that his government is committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of implementing the UCC nationwide.  

UCC Implemented By Uttarakhand Presented A Model For The Country: Gujarat MoS Harsh Sanghavi

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said that the UCC would safeguard the rights of tribal communities. “The UCC implemented by Uttarakhand presented a model before the country because it protects the customs and traditions of tribals. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also clarified in Jharkhand that the UCC will protect the traditions followed by tribals,” he said.  

Congress Alleges Attempt To 'Divert' Discussion Ahead Of Gujarat Local Body Polls 

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly Amit Chavda alleged that the BJP is engaging in divisive politics. “In Gujarat, there are 14 per cent tribals. The UCC will affect the culture, customs, religious rites, and marriage system of the tribal society. Similarly, the Jain community of Gujarat and the Devipujaks will also be affected,” he claimed, as per PTI.  

Chavda further argued that implementing the UCC falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, not the state. “Since there is internal fighting in the BJP across Gujarat and the government has failed on multiple fronts, this announcement is an attempt to divert people’s attention ahead of the local body elections,” he alleged.  

Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Gujarat unit chief Isudan Gadhvi echoed similar sentiments, stating that the BJP raises the UCC issue whenever elections approach. “Even today, 80 per cent of domestic disputes in the Maldhari community are resolved by its own leaders. There is polygamy in tribal society, and all these will end if the UCC is implemented. Therefore, we believe the UCC is going to be a hindrance for Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims,” he claimed.  

“If the UCC is implemented in Gujarat, the BJP will not be able to win a single tribal seat. The BJP should stop viewing everything through the lens of Hindu-Muslim or vote-bank politics,” Gadhvi asserted.