VHP backs Suvendu Adhikari's UCC plan, proposed 'love jihad' and 'land jihad' laws
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday welcomed West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's announcement that his government would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state within six months, saying the move would strengthen the safety and security of citizens.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal also welcomed Adhikari's commitment to introduce laws against what he described as "love jihad" and "land jihad", as well as religious conversions.
"We appreciate the announcement of CM Shri Suvendu Adhikari to become the third state of the country, which will implement Uniform Civil Code after Uttarakhand and Gujarat," Bansal said in a post on X.
Bansal said the proposed measures would help ensure the safety and security of citizens and the state.
"We thank him for his commitment to pass a law in six months to end love jihad and land jihad too. It will pave the way for the safety and security of all citizens and the pious land of Bengal," he said.
He further claimed that a law against "land jihad" would enable the state government to reclaim hundreds of acres of government land allegedly under illegal occupation.
"By banning land jihad, the government could get back its hundreds of acres of government land that belongs to the private sector from the illegal occupancy of extremists," Bansal said.
Adhikari made the announcements in Kolkata on Sunday while addressing an event marking the birth centenary of former VHP president Ashok Singhal.
He said the BJP government in West Bengal would implement the UCC and enact stringent laws against "love jihad", "land jihad" and religious conversions, giving himself six months to fulfil the promises.
Adhikari said the state government would function in accordance with the Constitution but would not tolerate attacks on Indian culture, traditions or places of worship.
"This government will not allow any anti-national activity here," he said.
