PATNA, Sept. 14 -- Union home minister Amit Shah's statement that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be introduced in all NDA-ruled states by 2029 has stirred a political debate in Bihar where JD(U), the alliance's most significant partner, has been reluctant to support the UCC's implementation in its present template.

Party supremo and former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had actually said that he backed the UCC bill in Parliament but would not let it implemented in Bihar. The party on Monday reasserted this position.

The JD(U)'s overall stance so far has been that the UCC should not be rushed or imposed, and there should be an effort to build broad consensus through wide consultations with all stakeholders and religious groups.

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