Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Adhikari Announces Bengal UCC Plan and Six-Month Jihad Laws
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said his government plans to bring in a Uniform Civil Code, or UCC.
Such a code would set common rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
A committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai is studying a draft.
Adhikari said the state would follow Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
He promised laws within six months against what he called “love jihad” and “land jihad”; some reports also mention religious conversion.
Reports vary on whether he promised the UCC itself within six months or only promised that timeline for the other laws.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad welcomed the announcement and said the measures would improve safety, while its spokesperson made claims about recovering land.
Adhikari also announced a religious tourism project costing Rs 1,000 crore, with a two-year target.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state plans to implement a Uniform Civil Code, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
He promised stringent laws within six months against what he called “love jihad” and “land jihad”; several reports also include religious conversion.
A committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai is examining a draft covering marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
The announcement came at a Kolkata event marking the birth centenary of former VHP president Ashok Singhal; the UCC was a BJP pledge for the 2026 Assembly elections.
Adhikari announced a religious tourism circuit with Rs 1,000 crore earmarked and a two-year completion target; the VHP welcomed his pledges.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari; the Vishwa Hindu Parishad later welcomed his announcement.
- What
- Adhikari announced plans for a Uniform Civil Code and promised laws against what he called “love jihad” and “land jihad”; some reports also include religious conversion.
- When
- Adhikari made the announcement on Sunday; the VHP response was reported on Monday, October 5. He set a six-month timeline for the proposed laws against “love jihad” and “land jihad.”
- Where
- At an event in Kolkata marking the birth centenary of former VHP president Ashok Singhal.
- Why
- Adhikari said the government would operate within the Constitution while protecting Indian culture, traditions and places of worship.
Reports saying the UCC has a six-month deadline
Reports giving that deadline to other proposed laws
UCC implementation timeline
Reports saying the UCC has a six-month deadline
Some reports quote Adhikari as saying the UCC would be implemented in West Bengal within six months.
Reports giving that deadline to other proposed laws
Other reports describe the six-month commitment as applying to laws against “love jihad” and “land jihad,” while saying the UCC is planned without a specific implementation deadline.
Expected impact of proposed laws
Reports saying the UCC has a six-month deadline
VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the UCC and proposed laws would improve citizens’ safety and security, and claimed a land-related law could help recover government land.
Reports giving that deadline to other proposed laws
The articles provide these as the VHP’s claims and do not report an opposing response or independent confirmation of the predicted effects.
- UCC proposal
- West Bengal plans to follow Uttarakhand and Gujarat in implementing a Uniform Civil Code.
- Draft review
- A high-level committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai is examining the draft.
- Proposed coverage
- The draft aims to standardise civil laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
- Six-month pledge
- Adhikari promised stringent laws against “love jihad” and “land jihad” within six months; some reports also include religious conversion.
- Timeline discrepancy
- Some reports say the UCC itself would be implemented within six months; others give that deadline to the proposed laws and do not specify a UCC deadline.
- Election pledge
- The UCC was described as one of the BJP’s key promises for the 2026 Assembly elections.
- Religious tourism circuit
- Rs 1,000 crore was earmarked for the project, with completion targeted within two years.
- VHP response
- VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal welcomed the pledges and said they would promote safety; he also claimed a law against “land jihad” could help recover government land.
Sources
Will bring laws against love, land jihad in 6 months, implement UCC like Uttarakhand, Gujarat: WB CM
Suvendu Adhikari announces UCC plan, 'anti-Love Jihad' and 'anti-land jihad' law within 6 months
Suvendu Adhikari’s UCC announcement will ensure safety and security of citizens: VHP
West Bengal To Get UCC Within 6 Months, CM Suvendu Adhikari Promises Tough Laws On Love Jihad, Land Jihad & Conversion | Video
‘Love jihad’, ‘land jihad’ laws in six months: Suvendu Adhikari also vows UCC in Bengal - Telegraph India
Uniform Civil Code, Love Jihad: Suvendu Adhikari Outlines Bengal's Coming Projects
