Thirty years ago, the BJP first included the promise of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in its election manifesto, giving it pride of place among its ideological troika — the other two being building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370, both of which have now been accomplished. This week, Union home minister amit shah’s declaration that UCC will be enacted in all NDA-ruled states marks the beginning of concerted nationwide efforts to push UCC towards fruition. Clearly, the BJP believes it has found a workable model for customary laws that goes state-by-state instead of a blanket national rule and keeps tribespeople out of its ambit. That Shah has set 2029 as the deadline for the UCC indicates that the BJP is considering making the law an election plank and showcase the fulfilment of its ideological mission before the Lok Sabha polls.
