CM Adhikari vows strict laws against ‘love jihad’, ‘land jihad’ in Bengal in 6 months

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said his government would introduce stringent laws against what he described as “love jihad” and “land jihad” within six months, while also implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state along the lines of Uttarakhand and Gujarat.

Speaking at an event organised to commemorate the birth centenary of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Ashok Singhal, Adhikari said his government would operate within the constitutional framework but would not tolerate attacks on Indian culture, Sanatani traditions, temples, monasteries or the state’s heritage, The New Indian Express reported.

He said the government would take a firm stance against activities it considered anti-national and called upon people to remain united and alert against forces that could create divisions in society.

On the proposed UCC, Adhikari said West Bengal would draw from the models adopted by Uttarakhand and Gujarat. He said his government would also bring in strict legislation dealing with “love jihad” and “land jihad” within six months.

The state government has already set up a high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine a draft UCC for West Bengal.

The proposed code aims to bring greater uniformity to civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across different communities. The BJP had included the implementation of the UCC among its major promises during the 2026 Assembly elections.

Adhikari also announced plans to complete a religious tourism circuit within two years, with Rs 1,000 crore allocated for the project. He appealed to people to offer suggestions and extend their cooperation for its implementation.

Taking aim at the previous Trinamool Congress government, Adhikari said several factors had contributed to its decline, but alleged that repeated actions that hurt Hindu sentiments, organisations, deities and traditions were the most significant among them.

Recalling his involvement as a student volunteer in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Adhikari said he had raised concerns over what he described as atrocities against Hindus in West Bengal during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition between 2021 and 2026.

He also announced plans for several religious events. These include a Hanuman Chalisa recital involving 20,000 people at Netaji Indoor Stadium in November and a mass Gita recital involving 10 lakh participants on December 29.

Adhikari further said preparations had begun for next year's Gangasagar Mela, with the government planning facilities and arrangements that would meet international standards.