West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to introduce a strict anti-conversion law, Uniform Civil Code and NRC in the state. Speaking in Kolkata, he said the measures were aimed at protecting national security and cultural identity, while critics raised concerns over the claims.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday that his government plans to bring in a tough law to curb religious conversion, while also implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. He described the proposals as important to protect national security and preserve West Bengal’s cultural identity.
The announcement was made at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata during a programme marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the famed national song penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Addressing the event, Adhikari alleged that activities through West Bengal’s international border had contributed to religious conversions, “love jihad,” and demographic shifts within the state. He said these changes could harm West Bengal’s social fabric and also raise concerns for the country’s security.
Without providing any supporting evidence for these claims, the chief minister said his administration is ready to take legal and administrative steps to address the issue.
Adhikari said in his speech,
“Give us some time. A strict law against religious conversion, Uniform Civil Code and NRC will be introduced in West Bengal,”
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand Becomes the First State in India to Implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
The proposed anti-conversion law, the UCC, and the NRC have been topics of political and legal debate in many parts of India. Several states have already passed laws that regulate religious conversions. The Uniform Civil Code, meanwhile, aims to apply a single framework of personal laws to all citizens, regardless of religion. The National Register of Citizens is intended to identify those who are lawful residents and separate them from people considered to be illegal immigrants.
On border management, Adhikari claimed that his government has boosted security by arranging land needed for border infrastructure. He also said that holding centres have been set up in districts along the international border to identify people who entered the country illegally and to facilitate their return.
He said,
“Those entering illegally and engaging in activities that threaten India’s culture and national security will be sent back,”
Adhikari also said his government would distinguish between illegal immigrants and those covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. He stated that Hindus who came to India after facing religious persecution in neighbouring countries should not be treated as infiltrators, and that they would be eligible for citizenship under the provisions of the CAA.
He further said that his government would not allow any steps that could weaken West Bengal’s cultural identity or India’s national character. Calling West Bengal India’s “cultural and spiritual capital”, he said safeguarding its heritage and values would remain a top priority for the administration.
The programme also highlighted Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s legacy. Adhikari paid tribute to the author, describing him as a visionary writer, journalist, and administrator whose work continues to motivate future generations.
He referred to Vande Mataram as a “Sanjeevani Mantra” for the nation, saying the song reflects patriotism, unity, and national awareness. He added that for the first time, state-run events were organised both at Bankim Chandra’s ancestral home in Kathalpara, Naihati, and at his Kolkata residence to mark the author’s birth anniversary.
Adhikari alleged that during an earlier visit to the author’s Kolkata residence under the previous Trinamool Congress government, he was not allowed entry because the premises were locked. Mentioning the Emergency imposed in 1975, he announced that a state-level programme would be held on August 9 to honour individuals who opposed the Emergency and faced persecution.
He also accepted a proposal to form a coordination committee of “Loktantra Senanis” to help with recognising such people and issuing official certificates under government rules.
Later that day, Adhikari inaugurated a BJP office in Bhowanipore and said he would meet local residents there twice every month to listen to grievances and strengthen public participation.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE