Strict Law Against Religious Conversion Will Be Introduced: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced that his government intends to introduce a stringent law against religious conversion and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, describing the proposed measures as necessary for safeguarding national security and preserving West Bengal’s cultural identity.

The announcement was made during a programme held at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the iconic national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Addressing the gathering, Adhikari alleged that infiltration through West Bengal’s international border had contributed to religious conversions, “love jihad” and demographic changes in the state. He claimed that these developments posed a challenge to the social fabric of West Bengal and the country’s security interests.

Without furnishing evidence in support of the allegations, the chief minister said his government was committed to bringing legal and administrative measures to address the concerns. “Give us some time. A strict law against religious conversion, Uniform Civil Code and NRC will be introduced in West Bengal,” Adhikari said during his speech.

The proposed anti-conversion legislation, UCC and NRC have remained subjects of political and legal debate across the country. While several states have enacted laws regulating religious conversions, the Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a common set of personal laws applicable to all citizens irrespective of religion. The National Register of Citizens, meanwhile, is intended to identify lawful residents and distinguish them from illegal immigrants.

Speaking about border management, Adhikari claimed that his government had strengthened security measures by providing land required for border infrastructure. He further stated that holding centres had been established in districts located along the international border for the purpose of identifying and repatriating persons who had entered the country illegally.

“Those entering illegally and engaging in activities that threaten India’s culture and national security will be sent back,” he said.

The chief minister also drew a distinction between illegal immigrants and individuals covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. According to him, Hindus who migrated to India after facing religious persecution in neighbouring countries should not be treated as infiltrators and would be eligible for citizenship under the provisions of the CAA.

Adhikari asserted that his government would not permit any force to weaken West Bengal’s cultural identity or national character. Referring to the state as India’s “cultural and spiritual capital”, he said preserving its heritage and values remained a priority for the administration.

The event also focused on the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Paying tribute to the celebrated author, Adhikari described him as a visionary writer, journalist and administrator whose contributions continue to inspire generations. He referred to Vande Mataram as a “Sanjeevani Mantra” for the nation and said the song represented patriotism, unity and national consciousness.

Highlighting recent initiatives undertaken by the state government, the chief minister said official programmes had been organised for the first time at Bankim Chandra’s ancestral residence in Kathalpara, Naihati, as well as at his Kolkata residence to mark his birth anniversary. He also alleged that during an earlier visit to the author’s Kolkata residence under the previous Trinamool Congress regime, he had been denied entry because the premises had remained locked.

Recalling the Emergency imposed in 1975, Adhikari announced that a state-level felicitation programme would be organised on August 9 to honour individuals who resisted the Emergency and suffered persecution. He also accepted a proposal for the constitution of a coordination committee of “Loktantra Senanis” to facilitate recognition of such individuals and issuance of official certificates in accordance with government rules.

The chief minister further said that the government had accepted proposals from the Citizen Government Forum relating to seminars on constitutional and social issues, celebration of national leaders’ birth anniversaries and charitable activities during natural disasters. Later in the day, Adhikari inaugurated a BJP office in Bhowanipore and said he would meet local residents there twice every month to hear grievances and strengthen public engagement.

Inputs from PTI