Palla Srinivasa Rao Says TDP Will Back NDA’s UCC Stand
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has triggered a political debate within the NDA alliance, with differences emerging among its constituent parties.
Shah announced that the UCC would be implemented in all 21 NDA-ruled states before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Against this backdrop, remarks by Andhra Pradesh TDP president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao have become a subject of political discussion.
Palla Srinivasa Rao said that since the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a partner in the NDA, it would stand by the position on the UCC announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
TDP’s Earlier Position on UCC Draws Attention
The latest statement has also triggered discussion over whether the TDP’s current position differs from its earlier stand on the UCC.
In July 2023, when the UCC was being widely debated across the country, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with Muslim religious leaders and representatives of minority communities.
At the time, Naidu reportedly assured them that the proposed UCC draft would be examined in detail and that the concerns raised by the Muslim community would be taken into consideration. He also said that decisions would not be taken against their interests or religious sentiments.
Concerns Among Muslim Representatives
Palla Srinivasa Rao’s latest comments have raised concerns among sections of the Muslim community, particularly because the TDP is now an NDA ally and has expressed its willingness to follow the Centre’s position on the UCC.
Some Muslim representatives have questioned the apparent difference between the assurances given to the community in the past and the TDP’s present position as an NDA partner.
They argue that the party’s current stance needs to be viewed in the context of its earlier commitments to minorities.
Debate Over TDP’s Political Position
The development has also revived discussions about changes in the TDP’s political position.
Critics have pointed to the party’s earlier criticism of an alliance with the BJP and its assurances to minority communities. Against that backdrop, they are questioning the TDP’s decision to remain a partner in the BJP-led NDA and support the Centre’s stated position on the UCC.
These developments have led to renewed political criticism of the TDP, particularly over its position on issues concerning minorities.
JD(U) Takes a Cautious Position on UCC
Meanwhile, another key NDA ally, the Janata Dal (United), has adopted a more cautious position on the issue.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said there was no need to take a hasty decision on the UCC. He stated that the proposed legislation should first be studied and its provisions examined before the party takes a decision.
The JD(U) also said that the issue would be discussed with NDA allies in Bihar before arriving at a position.
Different Views Within NDA
The contrasting statements from TDP and JD(U) have once again highlighted differences among NDA partners over the Uniform Civil Code.
While the TDP has indicated that it will stand by the Centre’s position as an NDA ally, the JD(U) has called for a detailed examination of the proposed legislation before taking a decision.
In Andhra Pradesh, the TDP’s position has also brought its earlier assurances to minority communities back into the political debate, with critics questioning whether its current UCC stance is consistent with those earlier commitments.
