Suvendu: Will Follow Process In UCC Rollout In WB Like Assam, Gujarat
The Trinamul Congress (the loyal camp) is however worried if the BJP has plans to use the law for polarisation in the state: Reports
KOLKATA: As the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill is set to be tabled in the West Bengal Assembly on June 29, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari asserted on Friday that the BJP government would follow a procedure in implementing the law like it did in Assam and Gujarat earlier.
The Trinamul Congress (the loyal camp) is however worried if the BJP has plans to use the law for polarisation in the state. It also favours a consensus through talks, instead of an imposition, on the UCC. The development comes after the treasury bench finalised in the Assembly business advisory committee meeting on Thursday evening the UCC Bill presentation’s date to fulfill its key manifesto promise.
Mr Adhikari said, “There is a procedure for the UCC implementation. We will adhere to that. This will be similar to Gujarat and Assam.” A TMC veteran, who is a loyalist of party supremo Mamata Banerjee, however pointed out, “Our concern is with the agenda of the BJP. Whether a UCC is being pursued through consensus, constitutional morality, and genuine concern or whether it is being used and weaponised as another instrument of political polarisation. India’s strength lies in combining equality with respect for diversity.”
He argued, “Reform cannot be imposed; it must be built through dialogue, trust, and constitutional values. We support the constitutional ideals of equality, dignity and justice for every citizen. No personal law should perpetuate discrimination. Our concern is on the intent of the BJP, the agenda of the BJP and the politics of the BJP.”
The TMC leader added, “Whether the BJP is pursuing these ideals sincerely or using the UCC as a political instrument to deepen social divisions and polarise communities. The BJP is known for exploiting sensitive issues for political gain. The BJP has not provided any assurance about its political agenda. There must be greater consultation with all stakeholders such as vulnerable groups and Adivasi communities.”