Picture : ANI/X
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said his government would enact a stringent law against religious conversion, while also implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state as part of measures to strengthen national security and preserve Bengal’s cultural identity.
As reported by PTI, Addressing a programme at Rabindra Sadan to mark the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, Adhikari alleged that infiltration through the state’s international border had contributed to religious conversion, ‘love jihad’ and demographic changes, posing a threat to West Bengal’s social fabric and national security, though he did not provide evidence to support the claims.
“Give us some time. A strict law against religious conversion and Uniform Civil Code will be introduced in West Bengal,” he said.
Claiming that his government had strengthened border security by providing land required for border infrastructure, the chief minister said holding centres had been set up in border districts to identify and send back “infiltrators” to their place of origin.
“Those entering illegally and engaging in activities that threaten India’s culture and national security will be sent back,” he said.
Drawing a distinction between illegal immigrants and refugees covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Adhikari said Hindus who had come to India after facing religious persecution were “not infiltrators” and would be granted citizenship under the law.
He asserted that his government would not allow any force to weaken West Bengal’s cultural identity or national character, describing the state as India’s “cultural and spiritual capital”.
