India
oi-Ashish Rana
West Bengal is set to introduce new laws targeting “love jihad” and “land jihad” within the next six months, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Sunday. He also announced plans to implement a Uniform Civil Code in the state, citing Uttarakhand and Gujarat as examples.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to introduce laws against ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad’ within six months and implement a Uniform Civil Code, inspired by Uttarakhand and Gujarat, while also detailing a Rs 1,000 crore religious tourism project and mass recital events.
Addressing a gathering in Kolkata on the birth centenary of former VHP president Ashok Singhal, Adhikari said the BJP government would remain committed to the Constitution but would take steps to protect Indian culture, Sanatani traditions and places of worship.
Adhikari Promises Stringent Laws
“This government will not allow any anti-national activity here,” he said, urging people to remain united and vigilant against “divisive forces”.
Adhikari said, “You can rest assured that the government will function in accordance with the Constitution. But it will not allow any attack on Indian culture, Sanatani traditions, temples and monasteries, and our heritage that spiritual icons Vivekananda and Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanya have propounded.”
Speaking about the proposed Uniform Civil Code, the chief minister said West Bengal would follow Uttarakhand and Gujarat in implementing the legislation.
“Give us six months, will also bring stringent laws against love and land jihad,” he told the gathering.
West Bengal Working On UCC Draft
The West Bengal government has constituted a high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code for the state.
According to a government notification, the proposed West Bengal UCC Bill aims to standardise civil laws across communities on matters including marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
The UCC was one of the key poll promises of the BJP in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Rs 1,000 Crore Religious Tourism Circuit
Speaking about the proposed religious tourism circuit, Adhikari said the project would be completed within two years, with Rs 1,000 crore earmarked for it.
“We need your suggestions and your cooperation,” he told the gathering.
Taking a swipe at the previous TMC dispensation, Adhikari said there were several reasons behind its downfall, but “repeated hurt to Hindu sentiments, organisations, deities and traditions” were among the foremost reasons.
“People tolerated those for a long time and then bid the party farewell,” he said.
Hanuman Chalisa, Gita Recital Events Planned
Recalling his involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement as a volunteer during his student days, Adhikari said that as the leader of the opposition between 2021 and 2026, he had protested against alleged atrocities on Hindus in the state.
He also listed several upcoming events, including a Hanuman Chalisa recital by 20,000 people at Netaji Indoor Stadium in November and a mass Gita recital involving 10 lakh people on December 29.
Adhikari further said his government had started preparations for next year’s Gangasagar Mela, which, he said, would have facilities of international standard.
