As a supporter of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the former leading party of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), is now raising concerns with the BJP over its implementation, which will not only affect Hindus but also Muslims, according to news reports. The BJP and the unified Shiv Sena were on the same page about a number of crucial ideological issues, including the UCC, up until 2019, when they parted.

On Sunday, Uddhav said that “We favour the Uniform Civil Code, but those promoting it should not assume that it would only generate problems for Muslims; it will also cause problems for Hindus, and numerous questions will arise. He also said that former  chief minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar used to say that Cow slaughter must be prohibited from Kashmir to Kanyakumari as there is no ban on cow slaughter.” 

In an election year, the sensitive topic was brought up once again when the Law Commission of India requested suggestions from civic and religious organisations last week regarding the Uniform Civil Code. The Congress and other opposition parties have criticised the action as the Centre’s “desperation” to press forward with its polarising agenda, despite the Bharatiya Janata Party’s defence of it.

Member of Parliament and congress’ general secretary for communication Jairam Ramesh, issued a statement in which he said that the Law Commission had not provided any justifications for revisiting the issue beyond general statements like “the relevance and importance of the subject” and “various court orders.” He also said, “This new attempt shows the Modi government’s desperate search for a legal defence for its ongoing policy of divisiveness and distraction from its evident failures.

The Uniform Civil Code is not a “political instrumentality” that should be hastily implemented, according to the former ally of the BJP, Janata Dal (United). Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, avoided answering a question from reporters on Monday by referencing the intense heat wave engulfing the region.

The Trinamool Congress charged that the Centre was ‘desperately’ promoting divisive politics. “When you are unable to complete jobs. when the price surge is beyond your control. When the social fabric is torn. When you break every promise you made. In your desperation, all you can do is fuel the fire with your bitterly divisive politics before 2024.” PTI cited TMC MP Derek O’Brien as saying, “Uniform Civil Code.”