West Bengal to Implement Uniform Civil Code Following Legal Procedures
West Bengal Chief Minister's Announcement
File image of West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari (Photo - IANS)
Kolkata, June 26: On Friday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of West Bengal declared that his administration intends to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, following the legal frameworks similar to those adopted by Gujarat and Assam.
While attending a government event commemorating the 189th birth anniversary of the renowned writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay at College Street in north Kolkata, Adhikari emphasized the importance of adhering to the established procedures for the UCC's implementation.
He stated, "There is a procedure for UCC implementation, and we will adhere to that. This will be similar to Gujarat and Assam," highlighting the legislative and administrative actions taken by these states regarding the UCC, which addresses matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Sources from the Suvendu Adhikari-led cabinet indicated that the BJP government in West Bengal is poised to present the UCC Bill in the assembly on Monday during the current budget session, ahead of the six-month timeline promised by the party.
This decision was reached during a Business Advisory Committee meeting held in the assembly on Thursday evening.
The introduction of the UCC could signify a significant shift in legal and social policy in Bengal, with the BJP viewing it as a crucial governance commitment and a politically impactful reform.
In its manifesto for the 2026 assembly elections, the BJP pledged to implement the UCC within six months of assuming power in the state. This promise was notably emphasized by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the unveiling of the party's election manifesto, known as 'Sankalp Patra', in April.
A minister from the Adhikari cabinet remarked, "Several states, including Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, have already enacted UCC proposals. Bengal will now also implement it in line with other BJP-ruled states as we had promised ahead of the elections."
During the event, Adhikari also paid homage to Chattopadhyay, the creator of the national song 'Vande Mataram', and announced plans for a national-level 'Vande Mataram' museum to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the song.