JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has called a meeting of the party’s MPs, MLAs and Legislative Council members in Patna on September 18 amid the growing debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

The meeting is expected to discuss the UCC as well as the Farakka Water Treaty. The development comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the UCC would be introduced in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

JD(U), which is part of the NDA and has 12 Lok Sabha MPs, has so far indicated that it wants to examine the proposed legislation before taking a final position.

JD(U) Seeks Details of UCC Proposal

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the party had not yet seen the details of the proposed UCC legislation. He said JD(U) would examine its provisions and communicate any concerns to the Union government.

Chaudhary also said there was no need to rush into a decision. According to his remarks, the party would not oppose provisions it found acceptable but would raise concerns over provisions it considered problematic.

JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha has also indicated that party leaders would discuss the issue with Amit Shah. Reports say the discussions are part of wider consultations within the NDA.

What Amit Shah Said About UCC

Amit Shah said on September 13 that he was confident the UCC would be implemented in all 21 NDA-ruled states before 2029. The proposed framework concerns personal-law matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.

The announcement has brought renewed attention to the position of NDA allies, including JD(U), particularly because Bihar has not yet announced a final position on implementation.

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Different Views Within JD(U)

JD(U) leaders have expressed different views about the proposed code. Some have called for further examination of the legislation before taking a position, while other party leaders have previously expressed reservations about implementing a UCC in Bihar.

The issue has also drawn criticism from AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who has argued that the proposal could affect religious and minority rights. His comments represent his political position on the issue.

UCC Status Across Indian States

Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to bring a comprehensive UCC into force in January 2025. Other states have also taken legislative or preparatory steps related to the issue, although the legal framework and stage of implementation differ between states.

With the JD(U) meeting scheduled for September 18, the party’s internal discussions could provide more clarity on its approach to the proposed UCC and its implications for Bihar.