Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Owaisi Says BJP’s UCC Push Targets Muslims, Not Equality
Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the BJP’s plan for a Uniform Civil Code, or UCC.
A UCC would create common civil rules for people from different religions.
Owaisi said the plan is meant to target Muslims instead of creating equality.
His comments came after Amit Shah said 21 NDA-ruled states would introduce the UCC before the 2029 national election.
Owaisi said the plan could affect religious freedom and minority rights protected by India’s Constitution.
He also questioned claims that Goa already has the same kind of UCC, pointing to provisions and exemptions he described.
Owaisi criticized West Bengal’s order to close 252 madrassas, saying minorities have a right to run institutions of their choice.
He said India’s food habits reflect its cultural and religious diversity.
He also raised concerns about China, a women’s cricket trophy ceremony and alleged Pakistan-linked terrorism.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi accused the BJP of promoting the Uniform Civil Code to target India’s 18 crore Muslims rather than advance equality.
Owaisi’s remarks followed Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that all 21 NDA-ruled states would implement the UCC before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
He said the proposal could conflict with constitutional protections for equality, religious freedom, minority rights and religious institutions.
Owaisi challenged the BJP and RSS to apply in Goa the same UCC law introduced in Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam, citing alleged exemptions and marriage provisions.
He also criticized West Bengal’s planned closure of 252 madrassas and commented on food diversity, China, cricket and Pakistan-related security issues.
- Who
- AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, responding to remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- What
- Owaisi opposed the BJP’s push for a Uniform Civil Code and accused it of targeting Muslims rather than promoting equality.
- When
- The comments were reported on September 14, 2026, after Shah’s statement about implementing the UCC before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- Where
- Owaisi spoke to media persons in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Why
- Owaisi said the UCC could threaten pluralism and constitutional protections for religious freedom, equality and minority institutions.
Owaisi’s Criticism
UCC Implementation Position
Purpose of the UCC
Owaisi’s Criticism
Owaisi said the BJP is bringing the UCC to target Muslims and impose Hindu laws on non-Hindus, rather than to promote equality.
UCC Implementation Position
Amit Shah’s reported position is that all 21 NDA-ruled states should implement the UCC before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections; the article does not provide a detailed response from the BJP to Owaisi’s allegations.
Constitutional and cultural effects
Owaisi’s Criticism
Owaisi argued that the UCC could conflict with religious freedom, equality, pluralism and minority rights protected by the Constitution.
UCC Implementation Position
The cited UCC position favors a common civil-code framework across the states governed by the NDA, although the article does not specify the government’s response to the constitutional objections.
Goa as a UCC example
Owaisi’s Criticism
Owaisi challenged the BJP and RSS to introduce in Goa the same law used in Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam, and said Goa has marriage-related provisions and a Catholic exemption.
UCC Implementation Position
Those who support the UCC cite Goa as an example of a state with a common civil-law system; Owaisi disputed whether Goa’s system is equivalent to the laws being introduced elsewhere.
- Main speaker
- Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Hyderabad MP
- Central issue
- The BJP-led push for a Uniform Civil Code
- Government position cited
- Amit Shah said all 21 NDA-ruled states would implement the UCC before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections
- Muslim population figure cited
- Owaisi referred to 18 crore Muslims in India
- Constitutional provisions cited
- Owaisi referred to Articles 14, 25, 26, 29 and 30
- States in the UCC discussion
- Goa, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam
- Madrassa issue
- Owaisi criticized West Bengal’s order to close 252 madrassas
