West Bengal UCC Bill showdown today
The BJP Government’s proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill is set to trigger an unusual political contest in the West Bengal Assembly on Monday — not just between the treasury benches and the Opposition, but also between the two rival TMC factions seeking to outdo each other as the principal voice against the legislation.
The BJP-led Suvendu Adhikari Government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.
The debate is also likely to serve as the first significant parliamentary test for the TMC rival camps led by former chief minister and party supremo Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, whose month-long tussle for control of the party is now expected to spill onto the Assembly floor.
The proposed legislation seeks to create a common civil framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption irrespective of religion, replacing religion-specific personal laws with a uniform legal structure.
Assembly sources said the Bill is likely to be taken up during the latter half of Monday’s proceedings, with speaking slots earmarked for Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the Opposition and several senior legislators.
