Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (September 13, 2026) announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be rolled out in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Shah said:“We introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states. I am confident that we will implement the UCC in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029.”
He also recalled the abolition of triple talaq, stating it had given Muslim women equal rights.
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
The UCC proposes a common set of personal laws for all citizens, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and related matters, irrespective of religion. It aims to replace religion-based personal laws with a uniform legal framework to promote equality before the law and national integration.
Progress So Far
Uttarakhand: Became the first state to pass a UCC law in February 2024. It has been fully in force since January 2025.
Gujarat: Passed the UCC Bill in March 2026; awaiting presidential assent and notification.
Assam: Passed the Bill in May 2026 (first northeastern state); awaiting assent.
Madhya Pradesh: Cabinet unanimously approved the UCC recently; awaiting presidential assent and notification.
Several other NDA-ruled states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, are in the process of drafting or preparing legislation.
The next Lok Sabha elections are due in 2029. The UCC has long been a key agenda item for the BJP.
Shah made the remarks while also highlighting the government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism (citing surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor) and announcing the nationwide “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan” (September 17 to October 17, 2026) to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service.
The announcement signals a clear timeline for expanding the Uniform Civil Code across NDA-ruled states in the coming years.
