Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across all 21 states currently governed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before 2029.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai after attending several public programmes, Shah spoke on a range of national issues, including governance, national security, illegal immigration and regional language disputes.

On the UCC rollout, Shah expressed confidence that the target would be achieved before the 2029 general elections.

“We have already introduced the Uniform Civil Code in several states. I am confident that before 2029, we will implement the UCC across all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA,” he said.

‘Zero tolerance’ on cross-border terrorism

Highlighting the Modi government’s national security measures, Shah said surgical strikes, airstrikes and Operation Sindoor had established a policy of “zero tolerance” towards cross-border terrorism.

Contrasting the current government with the pre-2014 period, he said India had moved beyond an era of corruption, casteism and dynastic politics and shifted towards “performance-based politics” under the BJP’s leadership.

“India's foreign and defence policies now stand on a robust foundation. The principle of ‘India First’ guides the government's strategic vision, ensuring that national interest remains paramount,” he said.

Firm stand on illegal immigration

Shah also reiterated the Centre’s determination to identify and deport unauthorised foreign nationals living in India.

“The government remains firm in its commitment to identify and deport every illegal infiltrator from the country. We will systematically identify each illegal occupant and ensure their removal,” the Home Minister said.

He, however, said the specific operational methods being considered for identifying such individuals would not be disclosed.

On regional language tensions

Asked about recent friction surrounding regional linguistic identities, Shah said priority should be given to one’s mother tongue while leaving it to state-level political leadership to resolve such disputes.

“Priority must be accorded to one's mother tongue. However, local state leadership will resolve this issue,” he said.

The Home Minister also accused political opponents of attempting to create divisions in society over the language issue.