Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam will not apply to Adivasi and tribal communities, a statement that is drawing attention in Guwahati as election campaigning intensifies.
Speaking at election rallies in Dudhnoi (Goalpara) and Chhaygaon in Kamrup district, located near Guwahati, Shah highlighted the BJP’s stance on balancing legal reforms with the protection of indigenous traditions.
Amit Shah has stated that the proposed Uniform Civil Code in Assam will not apply to tribal communities, assuring protection of indigenous traditions. The announcement, made during rallies near Guwahati, comes ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.
What Amit Shah Said
Addressing public meetings, Shah stated that while the BJP is committed to implementing the UCC in Assam, it will ensure exemptions for tribal communities.
He emphasised that:
- Tribal traditions and customs will be protected
- The law will be applied selectively
- Indigenous communities, referred to as “Bhumiputras,” will not be affected
Campaigning Near Guwahati
Shah’s rallies in Chhaygaon (Kamrup), part of the broader Guwahati region, are part of the BJP’s campaign push ahead of polling.
The outreach is focused on:
- Constituencies around Guwahati
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved seats
- Strengthening support in semi-urban and rural belts
UCC as a Key Election Issue
The Uniform Civil Code has emerged as a major talking point in the Assam elections.
According to Shah:
- The law aims to address issues such as polygamy
- It is part of the BJP’s broader governance agenda
- Implementation will depend on the electoral mandate
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati, being the political and media hub of Assam, is central to discussions around policy decisions like the UCC.
The issue could influence:
- Urban voter sentiment
- Public debates on law and identity
- Campaign narratives across parties
National Context of UCC
The statement follows developments in other states:
- Uttarakhand has already implemented a UCC
- Gujarat has introduced a similar proposal
These developments are shaping the broader national conversation, now reflected in Assam’s elections.
What Happens Next
With polling scheduled for April 9, political parties in Guwahati are expected to continue highlighting key issues like the UCC in their campaigns.
Voters will ultimately decide how such proposals influence the election outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will UCC apply to tribal communities in Assam?
According to Amit Shah, tribal communities will be exempt from the proposed UCC.
2. Why is UCC being discussed in the Guwahati elections?
It is a key policy issue in the BJP’s manifesto and is influencing political debates ahead of polling.