The National Democratic Alliance in Bihar faced public fractures Monday as coalition partners clashed over implementing the Uniform Civil Code, exposing delicate political tensions just days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's sweeping announcement.

Key facts

  • JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak: "UCC will not be implemented in Bihar at any cost"
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged UCC implementation in all 21 NDA states by 2029
  • Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary leads BJP-led coalition government
  • Opposition RJD vows to resist UCC implementation, calling it targeting of religious groups

Coalition partners draw lines

Ruling Janata Dal (United) MLA and former Minister Shyam Rajak delivered the sharpest rebuke, stating flatly that the code would never take effect in Bihar. His defiance echoed his party leader Nitish Kumar's earlier position, revealing how deeply the issue divides the alliance.

"We all supported UCC in Parliament but that time also our leader Nitish Kumar had clearly stated that it would not be implemented in Bihar," Rajak told reporters in Patna. "No doubt we all supported that Bill and till date, we are stuck with that stand."

Mixed signals from allies

Other NDA partners offered more measured responses. HAM(S) leader Santosh Kumar Suman suggested discussions would resolve any differences, noting "If Home Minister has said, then there must be some good things in UCC."

BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar Sharma framed the code as fulfilling constitutional equality principles, particularly for women's rights, while emphasizing implementation would come through "discussion, suggestions, and consensus."

"India's social fabric is diverse. Every class has its own civic traditions and customs" - Chirag Paswan, LJP(RV) chief

Opposition ready to fight

The Rashtriya Janata Dal seized on the division, with spokesperson Shakti Yadav accusing the BJP of targeting specific religious communities. "If there would be any attack on the people following Islam, then RJD will not sit quiet," Yadav stated, vowing to protect secular principles.

With the 2029 deadline still distant, Bihar's political landscape now faces renewed uncertainty as allies navigate one of India's most contentious legislative proposals.