The BJP government led by Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal is set to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly on Monday during the ongoing Budget session, a move that comes well ahead
of the party’s self-imposed six-month timeline, according to a source in the state cabinet.
The decision was finalised at a meeting of the Assembly’s Business Advisory Committee on Thursday evening, the source said.
The proposed legislation is expected to be among the BJP government’s most significant policy initiatives in West Bengal, reflecting one of the party’s key electoral commitments and long-standing ideological priorities.
During the campaign for the 2026 Assembly elections, the party promised to enact the Uniform Civil Code within six months of assuming office. The commitment was reiterated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah while releasing the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ ahead of the polls in April.
“Several states, including Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, have already implemented the UCC proposals. Bengal will now also implement it in line with other BJP-ruled states as we had promised ahead of the elections,” said a West Bengal minister.
Also Read: Assam Tables UCC Bill, Joins Gujarat And Uttarakhand In Uniform Civil Code Push
The decision to introduce the legislation during the government’s maiden Budget session, barely two months after taking office, is being seen as a signal that the BJP intends to move swiftly on one of its flagship poll promises. Political analysts say the timing underscores the administration’s effort to demonstrate early progress on the party’s electoral promise.
Uniform Civil Code Bill
The Uniform Civil Code Bill proposes a common set of civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion. It seeks to replace the existing religion-specific personal laws and includes provisions to prohibit polygamy and triple talaq.
During his campaign rallies ahead of the Assembly elections, Shah defended the proposed Uniform Civil Code, saying, “Is it appeasement to have uniform laws for every Indian citizen, or is it appeasement when a citizen is permitted to marry four times while another can get married once?” He also accused TMC chief Mamata Banerjee of pursuing policies favouring one community.
UCC To Promote Equality Before Law: BJP
The BJP has consistently maintained that the Uniform Civil Code would promote equality before the law while strengthening national integration. The proposal has remained a key part of the party’s agenda at both the national and state levels.
The Trinamool Congress has opposed the proposal in the past, stating that personal laws are linked to religious freedom and community identity.
Supporters of the Uniform Civil Code have argued that it would provide a common set of civil laws for all citizens, ensure equal rights, and eliminate disparities arising from religion-based personal laws.
They also pointed to BJP-ruled states that have either implemented or initiated similar legal reforms.
The proposed legislation is expected to spark political and legal debate in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress and several other opposition parties have consistently opposed the Uniform Civil Code, maintaining that personal laws are closely linked to religious freedom and community identity.
Apart from the UCC Bill, the state government is also expected to introduce two other Bills in the Assembly on Monday aimed at dealing with public disorder, vandalism, and attacks on police personnel and other public servants, according to sources.
With inputs from PTI
