West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said the BJP government would implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and bring stringent laws against "love jihad", "land jihad" and religious conversions within six months.
Addressing an event marking the birth centenary of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Ashok Singhal, Adhikari said the state would follow the examples of Uttarakhand and Gujarat in implementing the UCC.
"We will bring stringent laws against love jihad, land jihad and religious conversions after a Uniform Civil Code. Give us six months," he said.
The state government has already constituted a high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine a draft UCC for West Bengal. The proposed legislation seeks to bring uniformity in civil laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across communities.
Adhikari said the BJP's government would function within the framework of the Constitution but would not tolerate attacks on Indian culture, Sanatani traditions, temples, monasteries or the country's heritage.
"This government will not allow any anti-national activity here," he said.
He also referred to protests at Jadavpur University and alleged that some people continued to raise "Azadi" slogans there. "We have to uproot them," he said.
The chief minister further alleged that some people remained silent when terrorists targeted victims based on their faith but took out processions when the Indian Air Force struck terror infrastructure "100 km inside enemy territory".
On the proposed religious tourism circuit, Adhikari said the project would be completed within two years, with Rs 1,000 crore earmarked for it. He sought suggestions and cooperation from the public for the initiative.
Attacking the previous Trinamool Congress government, Adhikari alleged that repeated attacks on Hindu sentiments, organisations, deities and traditions were among the main reasons for its electoral defeat. He also accused the TMC administration of creating divisions among hill communities, tribals, the Matua community and Bengali and non-Bengali populations.
Recalling the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Adhikari said he had participated in it as a college student and worked as a volunteer when a separate rath carrying shilas was taken out from the area.
He also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his government, including showering flower petals from a helicopter on Kanwar pilgrims and devotees at Tarapith during Kaushiki Amavasya.
Adhikari said Durga Puja inaugurations would not be permitted during Pitrupaksh and announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would be the chief guest at a grand Mahalaya programme at Eden Gardens, with the VHP also invited.
He also announced plans for a Hanuman Chalisa recital by 20,000 people at Netaji Indoor Stadium in November and a mass Gita recital involving 10 lakh people on December 29.
The chief minister said preparations had also begun for next year's Gangasagar Mela, with facilities planned to meet international standards.
(With inputs from PTI)
