Kolkata: Just two months after the BJP ended the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule, the Suvendu Adhikari government in West Bengal is set to table the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly on Monday. The Chief Minister has already stated that his government will enact a strict law against religious conversions and implement the UCC in the state.
When will the government present the UCC bill?
The government is likely to table the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly on Monday. All eyes are now on both factions of the Trinamool Congress. Indeed, with the introduction of the UCC bill, the contest will not only be between the ruling party and the opposition, but also between two rival factions within the TMC. Both factions will strive to be the most vocal voices against the bill.
Why is it important?
This debate is the first major political test for the two factions of the TMC, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee. The struggle for control of the party is now likely to play out within the Assembly as well.
Both factions have indicated their opposition to the UCC bill and have developed different strategies. They will oppose the bill using different speakers and political arguments, while also staking their claim to be the true representatives of their political legacy.
What is the aim of UCC?
The UCC, which is proposed by the Suvendu government, aims to create a uniform legal framework applicable to all religions for civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. According to assembly sources, the bill will be discussed in the second part of Monday’s proceedings, which will be attended by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, and several senior MLAs.
What about the preparations done by Mamata Banerjee?
Due to having a clear majority in the Assembly, it is not considered difficult for the BJP government to pass the bill, but from a political point of view, the debate in the House will be very important.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has directed her allies to strongly oppose the bill inside and outside the assembly, saying the issue touches constitutional principles, social consensus and India’s pluralistic identity.
Leaders from Mamata Banerjee’s faction have accused the BJP of using the UCC as a tool for political polarization rather than legal reform. Senior party leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay may be among the key speakers opposing the bill, while Kunal Ghosh may also participate in the debate.
