Less than two months after assuming office, the BJP government in West Bengal is set to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly on Monday, marking one of its most significant legislative initiatives and fulfilling a key promise made in its election manifesto.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a common civil framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession and adoption, irrespective of religion. The Bill is expected to trigger a heated debate during the ongoing Budget session, with the ruling BJP projecting it as a measure to ensure equality before the law, while the opposition is preparing to challenge both its substance and timing.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the government's intent to move ahead with the legislation on Friday, saying the UCC would be implemented in West Bengal by following procedures adopted in Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Assam.
"The way it (UCC) was implemented in Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Assam by following a procedure. Similarly, it will be implemented in West Bengal. I will inform the Assembly on Monday," Adhikari had said.
The move comes well before the six-month deadline outlined in the BJP's Sankalp Patra ahead of the Assembly elections. While releasing the manifesto, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had pledged that a BJP government would implement the UCC in the state within six months of assuming office.
Tribal exemption, BJP clarifies
Ahead of the Bill's introduction, state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya reiterated that the party's stand on the UCC remained unchanged and sought to allay concerns among tribal communities.
He said Scheduled Tribes recognised under Articles 366(25) and 342 of the Constitution would remain outside the ambit of the proposed law, adding that their customs, traditions and constitutional protections would continue to be safeguarded.
Also read: Bengal to implement UCC, CM Adhikari announces
Bhattacharya also dismissed allegations that the proposed legislation was linked to population control or family-size regulations, saying such provisions were "neither the objective nor a part of the UCC".
Opposition prepares to resist
The Trinamool Congress has announced that it will strongly oppose the Bill both inside and outside the Assembly. At a meeting with party legislators and senior leaders, TMC chairperson and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed the party to mount an aggressive campaign against the legislation.
Senior TMC leaders have questioned the government's urgency, arguing that a law affecting personal matters across communities should be preceded by extensive public consultation.
Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee also criticised the proposed legislation, saying it should not be rushed through without wider discussion.
"I don't understand what the hurry is. A matter like the UCC requires extensive discussion and consultation," he said recently.
With the BJP pushing ahead with one of its core ideological commitments and the opposition gearing up for a political and legislative battle, the UCC Bill is expected to dominate proceedings in the Assembly and emerge as the first major confrontation between the new government and the opposition.
Follow us
