West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said his government will move ahead with its election promise of bringing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He said the law would aim to stop what he called “land jihad, love jihad and forced religious conversions.”
Speaking to reporters after an event at College Street, Adhikari said the details of the proposed UCC would be shared in the Assembly on Monday.
“There will be a UCC in Bengal. There is a specific procedure for it,” Adhikari said. “It will be similar to Gujarat and Assam. It will be done here in the same way.”
Government May Set Up Expert Panel
Sources in the BJP said the government does not want to rush the process and may first set up an expert committee to study the draft law before it is introduced in the Assembly.
“Everything is ready, but the government wants to follow due process,” a source said.
According to party leaders, the panel may be headed by a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge, along with constitutional experts. The committee is expected to collect public suggestions, study legal challenges, and submit a report to the chief minister.
A BJP leader said, “After receiving the report, the bill could be redrawn if needed and then introduced in the House later this year.”
What the Proposed UCC May Include
Sources said the proposed UCC in West Bengal could bring major changes in personal laws. It may ensure equal rights for women in ancestral property, ban polygamy, and make child marriages invalid, regardless of religious customs.
The law may also make registration of live-in relationships mandatory with district magistrates. Failure to comply could lead to jail terms.
Adhikari accused the previous government of promoting “appeasement, corruption and nepotism.”
“The previous government dragged Bengal backwards. Now a nationalist government has come to power and things will change,” he said.
TMC Questions BJP’s Intent
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, strongly reacted to the announcement and questioned the BJP’s intentions behind bringing the UCC.
In a statement, the party said, “India’s strength lies in equality with respect for diversity. Reform cannot be imposed; it must be built through dialogue, trust and constitutional values.”
The TMC said it supports equality and justice but warned that the UCC should not be used as a political tool to divide communities.
“Our concern is whether BJP is sincerely pursuing equality or using UCC to deepen social divisions and polarise society,” the statement said.
The party also called for wider consultation with vulnerable groups, including Adivasis and minorities.
Another Controversial Bill Likely
Alongside the UCC, the Adhikari government is also expected to introduce the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 on Monday.
The proposed law would allow police to detain suspected gang members for longer periods and seize properties linked to organised crime and corruption.
Opposition parties, including the TMC, Left and Congress, have opposed both bills.
Ritabrata Banerjee, Leader of Opposition, said, “We are firmly opposed to both the UCC proposal and the other legislation. These laws can be misused for targeted persecution.”
