West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on October 4, 2026, that his government will introduce stringent laws against 'love jihad' and 'land jihad' within six months and implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. Speaking at an event marking the birth centenary of former VHP president Ashok Singhal, Adhikari stated that West Bengal would follow Uttarakhand and Gujarat in implementing the UCC. 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.

The proposed legislation seeks to bring uniformity in civil laws relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across communities. Adhikari emphasized that the government would function within the Constitution but would not tolerate attacks on Indian culture, traditions, temples and monasteries. He urged people to remain united and vigilant against what he called 'divisive forces'.

The BJP had made implementation of the UCC one of its key promises in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Adhikari also announced plans for a religious tourism circuit, stating the project would be completed within two years with Rs 1,000 crore earmarked for it. He attacked the previous TMC dispensation, citing repeated hurt to Hindu sentiments, organisations, deities and traditions as a primary cause for its downfall.

Adhikari recalled his involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement as a volunteer during his student days and mentioned upcoming events, including a recital of Hanuman Chalisa by 20,000 people at Netaji Indoor Stadium in November and a mass Gita recital by 10 lakh people on December 29. He also informed the gathering that his government has started preparations for the Gangasagar Mela next year, which would have facilities of international standard.

The UCC was one of the key poll promises of the BJP in the 2026 Assembly elections. The West Bengal UCC Bill aims to standardise civil laws across all communities on matters concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption. The government notification outlines the draft UCC, which is currently under review by the high-level committee.

The announcement has sparked debate on the implications of implementing the UCC, with critics arguing that it could infringe on religious freedoms. However, Adhikari has not provided a detailed explanation of how the UCC would be implemented or what specific provisions it would include. The next known date for the introduction of the UCC and related laws is six months from the announcement date.