West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday announced that his government would enact an anti-conversion law and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He asserted that his administration would not allow any attempt to weaken West Bengal's cultural identity or national character, describing the state as India's 'cultural and spiritual capital'.
Anti-conversion law to curb forced conversions
Adhikari stated that the proposed anti-conversion legislation would target forced or fraudulent religious conversions carried out through coercion, allurement, or deceit. The law aims to protect the rights of individuals to practice their faith freely while preventing unethical conversion practices. The chief minister emphasized that the law would be stringent and include provisions for punishment of offenders.
Uniform Civil Code for uniform personal laws
On the Uniform Civil Code, Adhikari said that his government would work towards implementing a common set of personal laws for all citizens, regardless of religion. He argued that the UCC would promote gender justice and national integration. The move aligns with the ruling party's long-standing promise to replace religion-based personal laws with a uniform code governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Preserving Bengal's cultural heritage
Adhikari described West Bengal as the cultural and spiritual heart of India, stating that his government would take all necessary steps to preserve its heritage. He accused previous administrations of allowing divisive forces to erode the state's social fabric. 'We will not let anyone weaken Bengal's identity or its contribution to the nation's culture,' he said. The chief minister also announced plans to promote Bengali language and arts.
The announcement comes amid a broader national debate on the Uniform Civil Code, with several BJP-ruled states already moving towards its implementation. West Bengal, under Adhikari's leadership, becomes the latest state to commit to the UCC and anti-conversion laws.
