Suvendu Adhikari Confirms Implementation of Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Friday, June 26, 2026, that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in the state through a formal process led by a committee chaired by a judge.
Mr. Adhikari emphasized that the implementation will mirror the procedures adopted in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Assam. He stated, “The way it (UCC) was implemented in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Assam by following a procedure. Similarly, it will be implemented in West Bengal. I will inform the Assembly on Monday (about the development).”
The Chief Minister’s comments have sparked considerable speculation regarding the introduction of UCC during the current session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Promises regarding the UCC were initially made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections, where he mentioned that if the BJP came to power, UCC would be operational within six months.
Government Support for UCC
Several ministers from the state cabinet have expressed support for the UCC initiative. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sankar Ghosh described it as a “historic step,” highlighting the importance of the bill.
“UCC is one of the utmost important bills to be introduced in West Bengal. The state government has decided to introduce UCC on Monday. Other states like Uttarakhand have already passed the bill. The UCC bill has also been presented in Bihar and other states. Thus, this represents a significant milestone for West Bengal,” he remarked.
Trinamool Congress Raises Concerns
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has voiced its concerns over the UCC, stating that reforms should be built through dialogue and trust rather than imposed.
The party expressed apprehension about the BJP’s agenda, questioning whether the UCC is genuinely aimed at consensus and constitutional values, or if it serves as a tool for political polarization. TMC noted, “Our strength lies in combining equality with respect for diversity.”
Additionally, the TMC emphasized that no personal law should perpetuate discrimination and warned against the BJP’s tendency to exploit sensitive issues for political leverage. They called for more extensive consultation with all stakeholders, particularly marginalized groups and adivasi communities, who have shown concern regarding the UCC’s implementation. According to sources within the West Bengal government, tribal populations will be excluded from the UCC.
