AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Maharashtra, calling it an attempt to impose a “Hindu Civil Code” on non-Hindus.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, November 10, the Hyderabad MP said his party would oppose the proposed law in the Maharashtra legislature and resist its implementation by the BJP-led government.
“It is evident that the Devendra Fadnavis government will implement UCC,” Owaisi said.
He questioned the state government’s questionnaire issued as part of the UCC consultation process, claiming it did not address the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) system or clearly define what the proposed code would cover.
Owaisi argued that the proposed legislation could impose provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, the Hindu Succession Act and the Indian Succession Act on non-Hindus. He compared the Maharashtra proposal with UCC-related initiatives in Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, alleging that these efforts were aimed at imposing a Hindu civil code.
“Our opposition is to the UCC, especially the one being brought by the BJP. It is an attempt to snatch our main religious practices which have the protection of fundamental rights,” he said.
Owaisi raises concerns over divorce provisions
Owaisi also questioned the proposed divorce provisions, claiming that the draft followed the Hindu Marriage Act and included a mandatory one-year period of judicial separation.
He said this could affect Muslim women’s religiously recognised right to seek khula, a form of divorce initiated by a woman under Islamic law.
The AIMIM chief further claimed that cases of men abandoning their wives had increased after the Centre criminalised instant triple talaq. He said the consequences had affected Muslim women and questioned why there was no comparable law addressing people who enter multiple relationships while already married.
Owaisi responds to ‘B-team’ allegation
Responding to allegations that AIMIM acts as the BJP’s “B-team”, Owaisi said he had previously been open to an alliance with Opposition parties in Maharashtra but had received no response.
He also said AIMIM was willing to explore an alliance with the Samajwadi Party ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, but alleged that the party had dismissed him by calling him “Ravan”.
Fadnavis defends UCC proposal
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended his government’s decision to prepare a UCC, saying the Constitution directs states to work towards its implementation.
Responding to criticism from Owaisi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Fadnavis said the proposal was based on the Directive Principles of State Policy.
He also accused the Opposition of attempting to organise street protests similar to those witnessed in neighbouring countries.
The proposed UCC remains a subject of political debate, with Owaisi saying AIMIM would oppose its passage and implementation in Maharashtra.
