West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced that the state government will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following the same procedure adopted by Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat. Speaking to the media in Kolkata, Adhikari outlined the process for the UCC's implementation.
Procedure for UCC Implementation
Adhikari stated, "There is a prescribed procedure for it and I will explain it in the Assembly. A committee will be constituted under the leadership of a retired judge. Following the same procedure adopted in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Assam, the process will be carried out. I will provide further details in the Assembly on Monday." This announcement marks a significant policy shift for the state, which has been governed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) until the recent election.
TMC Opposes UCC Bill
The Trinamool Congress has strongly opposed the proposed UCC Bill, alleging that it is part of the "communal agenda of the BJP." TMC leaders accused the BJP of using the UCC to polarize communities and undermine the secular fabric of the state. The party vowed to resist the move in the Assembly and on the streets.
BJP's Election Promise
During the election campaign in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised to implement the UCC if the BJP came to power. They also pledged to end what they described as "politics of appeasement" and said they would not allow Bengalis to become a minority in the state. The BJP's manifesto explicitly included the UCC as a key commitment. The party's victory in the state elections paved the way for this announcement.
UCC in Other States
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the UCC after independence, followed by Assam and Gujarat. The code aims to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures and customs with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, regardless of religion. Proponents argue it promotes gender equality and national integration, while critics claim it infringes on religious freedom.
Political Reactions
Political reactions have been mixed. BJP leaders hailed the decision as a historic step towards uniformity and justice. State BJP president said, "This fulfills our promise to the people of West Bengal. The UCC will ensure equal rights for all, especially women." In contrast, opposition parties, including the TMC, Congress, and Left Front, condemned the move, calling it an attack on diversity and minority rights. TMC spokesperson said, "This is a dangerous step that will divide society. We will fight it legally and politically."
Next Steps
The state government is expected to introduce a bill in the Assembly after receiving the committee's recommendations. The committee will likely consult various stakeholders, including religious leaders, legal experts, and civil society groups. The timeline for implementation remains unclear, but the Chief Minister has expressed a commitment to swift action.
