West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said his government would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state within six months, if given the opportunity to govern.
Addressing a gathering, Adhikari said West Bengal would follow the examples of Uttarakhand and Gujarat in moving towards implementation of the UCC.
“After Uttarakhand and Gujarat, the UCC will be implemented in West Bengal as well. I promise you, give me six months,” he said.
Laws on conversion and other issues
Adhikari further said that after the implementation of the UCC, his government would work on legislation dealing with issues he described as “love jihad”, “land jihad” and religious conversion.
He also promised to introduce strict provisions against forced religious conversion, arguing that such practices needed to be addressed through stronger laws.
Appeal to Centre on employment
During his address, Adhikari also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to focus on employment opportunities in the state. He called for action against people he alleged had entered the country illegally.
He praised Modi’s leadership, saying India had emerged as a global leader, while stressing the need for unity and organised efforts to address issues concerning the state.
Accusation against previous government
Adhikari also accused the previous administration in West Bengal of deliberately creating divisions among different communities.
He alleged that divisions had been created among Tamang, Lepcha and Rai communities, along with several other communities in the hill areas. He also claimed that divisions had emerged within the Rajbanshi and Matua communities.
According to Adhikari, various communities were repeatedly placed against one another for political purposes.
Religious programmes announced
Adhikari also announced two religious programmes in Kolkata.
A Hanuman Chalisa recitation has been scheduled for November 17, while a Gita recitation programme is planned at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground on December 29.
His remarks come amid an increasingly political debate in West Bengal over the UCC, religious conversion and issues of cultural and social identity.