BJP Allies Wary on Uniform Civil Code, Cautiously Support Simultaneous Elections

Most BJP allies, including Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), have remained non-committal on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) advocated by Prime Minister Modi. They seek more details and consensus among stakeholders before finalizing their stance. However, there's general support for simultaneous elections.

Most BJP allies have kept their cards close to the chest on the issue of Uniform Civil Code, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly backed in his Independence Day speech. The party's largest partner, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is adopting a wait-and-see approach before finalizing its stance.

The JD(U), the BJP's second biggest ally, supports the reform in principle but insists on achieving a consensus among all stakeholders, including religious groups and state entities. JD(U) spokesperson K C Tyagi emphasized the need for substantive consultations to avoid social friction.

Meanwhile, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) also remains non-committal, highlighting the country's cultural, linguistic, and regional diversities. However, there is broad support among BJP allies for simultaneous elections, another key ideological plank Modi advocated in his speech.

Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is supportive of both the UCC and simultaneous elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)