Amit Shah Pledges Swift Implementation of Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a significant declaration on Friday, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will implement the ambitious Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in West Bengal within six months of securing power in the upcoming state elections. This announcement came during the release of the party's election manifesto, "Sankalp Patra," in Kolkata, where Shah outlined the BJP's vision for the state.
UCC: A Core Promise for Equality and Integration
The Uniform Civil Code is a proposed legal framework aimed at establishing a single set of personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all Indian citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. This initiative seeks to promote equality before the law and foster national integration by replacing the current religion-based personal laws with a uniform system. Shah emphasized that several BJP-ruled states have already adopted the UCC, and Bengal would follow suit promptly.
"Several BJP-ruled states have implemented the Uniform Civil Code. Within six months, we will implement the UCC in Bengal and ensure that a single, uniform set of laws applies to all citizens across the state," Shah stated, as reported by news agency ANI. This move is expected to be a polarizing issue in the elections, given the strong opposition from three-time Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has consistently resisted the UCC.
Manifesto Focuses on Security and Governance
During the event, Shah detailed the BJP's manifesto, themed around "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal), which includes 15 major promises targeting governance, development, and security. He highlighted commitments to national security, youth employment, and women's safety, positioning the manifesto as a roadmap to address the concerns of various societal sections and lift the state out of despair.
"This manifesto is a path to bring every section of Bengal out of despair. It will show a new way out for farmers surrounded by various kinds of fears. This manifesto will also place before the people of Bengal the roadmap for the developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Modi," Shah explained. He further claimed that the people of West Bengal are seeking political change, citing widespread disillusionment and fear under the current administration.
Additional Measures: Border Security and Anti-Corruption
Beyond the UCC, Shah announced several other key initiatives. He pledged to seal Bengal's borders to prevent infiltration and curb cattle smuggling, stating, "We will not only seal Bengal's borders against infiltrators but also ensure that not a single cow is smuggled out of India through Bengal." Additionally, the BJP plans to establish a commission led by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all instances of political violence, ensuring accountability regardless of the parties involved.
The party also intends to introduce three White Papers addressing corruption, political violence, and the restoration of law and order. Shah noted that the BJP currently serves as the main opposition in the Bengal Assembly and is poised to bring about transformative governance if elected.
Election Timeline and Broader Context
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4. The UCC implementation forms a critical part of the RSS and BJP's broader agenda, which has been gradually rolled out in states under their rule. This election is seen as a high-stakes battle, with the BJP aiming to unseat Mamata Banerjee's government and implement its policy vision, including the UCC, to reshape the state's legal and social landscape.
