Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Tuesday that the state’s decision on implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be taken after consultations with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. This statement came in response to questions about whether Maharashtra would follow the footsteps of Uttarakhand and Gujarat, where panels have been formed to examine the UCC.

Shinde emphasized that the state leadership would deliberate on the matter collectively before reaching a decision. His remarks highlight the growing momentum around the UCC debate, particularly after Gujarat’s BJP-led government formed a five-member committee to assess the need for a UCC and draft a bill.

The Gujarat committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai, includes retired IAS officer C.L. Meena, advocate R.C. Kodekar, former vice-chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the panel would submit its report within 45 days, after which a decision on implementation would be made. Patel also assured that religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community, would be consulted before finalizing the report.

Gujarat’s move aligns with Uttarakhand, which has already implemented the UCC. Patel reiterated his government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a nationwide UCC, while Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, emphasized that the UCC would safeguard the rights of tribal communities.