Underlining that “our mission” for a Uniform Civil Code and One Nation One Election is continuing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that a “serious discussion” on these issues is underway in the country and there has been “constructive progress” (sakaratmak pragati) in that direction.

In his address to BJP workers on the occasion of the party’s foundation day, Modi said demographic change and “infiltration” are challenges that have to be combated, and that only the BJP can do this.

That there should be a UCC in India has been a demand of BJP ever since its inception, and the BJP government in Uttarakhand put in place a UCC on January 27, 2025. Last month, the Gujarat Assembly also passed a UCC legislation. The UCC is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 44.

In his address, Modi recalled the many promises and achievements of BJP, including the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370.

On India’s foreign policy in times of war, Modi said the country follows the ancient ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). “There was a time when there was pride in maintaining equidistance from all countries. Today, we maintain equal closeness with all,” he said.