West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday set a six-month timeline for implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and said his government would also bring stringent laws against forced religious conversion and practices he described as “love jihad” and “land jihad”. The announcement builds on one of the BJP’s principal promises ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and follows the state government’s constitution of a high-level committee to examine the proposed UCC.
Addressing an event marking the birth centenary of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad president Ashok Singhal, Adhikari said West Bengal would follow the path taken by Uttarakhand and Gujarat. He said his government would work within the constitutional framework while pursuing its stated objective of protecting the state’s cultural and religious heritage.
‘Give me six months’
“After Uttarakhand and Gujarat, the UCC will be implemented in West Bengal as well. I promise you, give me six months,” Adhikari said. He added that the government would then move towards stringent legislation dealing with forced religious conversion and what he called “love jihad” and “land jihad”.
The terms “love jihad” and “land jihad” are political expressions used by BJP leaders and are not defined as offences under a single existing national law. Adhikari’s remarks indicate that the Bengal government intends to translate its political commitments in these areas into specific state legislation.
UCC process underway
The UCC proposal is already moving through the state government’s consultative process. A high-level committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai has been constituted to examine the proposed framework. The government had earlier said the panel would study issues including marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption before recommendations were incorporated into the proposed code.
Adhikari had told the Assembly in June that his government was committed to the UCC but would follow the required legal process rather than rush the legislation. The BJP had promised during the Assembly campaign to introduce the code within six months of forming the government.
The government has indicated that tribal communities and certain indigenous groups would remain outside the proposed code’s ambit, broadly following exemptions adopted or contemplated in other states. The final scope, however, will depend on the legislation ultimately approved by the state legislature.
Conversion law next
Adhikari’s latest remarks also provide a clearer timeline for another major legislative priority — an anti-conversion law. He had previously said his government wanted to curb religious conversions that it alleged were taking place through inducement or exploitation of economically vulnerable communities, particularly in parts of Jangalmahal. Those allegations have been made by the Chief Minister and would have to be addressed through the definitions, safeguards and evidentiary requirements of any eventual legislation.
In August, Adhikari had said two major tasks remained after the UCC: legislation dealing with religious conversion and another regulating certain land transactions. His Sunday speech placed those proposals within a broader six-month political and legislative programme.
Focus on culture
The Chief Minister said his administration would not tolerate attacks on what he described as Indian culture, Sanatani traditions, temples, monasteries and heritage sites. He also accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of creating divisions among communities in Bengal, including Rajbanshis, Matuas and different communities in the Hills. The allegations are part of Adhikari’s political criticism of the previous administration.
Adhikari also announced plans for a Rs 1,000-crore religious tourism circuit, which he said would be completed within two years. The government would seek public suggestions and cooperation for the project.
Religious events planned
As part of the government’s cultural programme, Adhikari announced plans for large religious gatherings in Kolkata. A mass Hanuman Chalisa recital is planned for November, followed by a large-scale Bhagavad Gita recitation at Brigade Parade Ground on December 29.
The Chief Minister also said preparations had begun for next year’s Gangasagar Mela, with the government planning to upgrade facilities. Together with the proposed religious tourism circuit, UCC and conversion legislation, the announcements indicate the set of cultural and legal priorities the Adhikari government intends to pursue during its first year in office.