The BJP-led West Bengal government is preparing a series of legislation focused on religious conversion, inter-community property transactions and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has indicated.
The proposed measures come after the state government moved ahead with its UCC plan, fulfilling one of the BJP’s key promises in its 2026 Assembly election manifesto.
Adhikari has said West Bengal will introduce a strict law against religious conversion, particularly targeting conversions allegedly carried out through force, coercion, fraud, deception or inducement.
The government is also looking at a separate legal framework concerning what it has described as “Land Jihad”. While the chief minister has not yet disclosed the details of the proposed land legislation, the move could include restrictions on the sale or transfer of property between members of different communities.
Anti-Conversion Law on Government’s Agenda
Adhikari has repeatedly stated that his government intends to bring legislation against what it considers illegal or forced religious conversions.
The BJP’s election manifesto had promised legislation to prevent “illegal, deceptive or forced religious conversions” in the state.
Adhikari has now reiterated that a stringent law will be introduced.
The chief minister has also linked the proposed legislation with the government’s broader agenda of tackling what it describes as Love Jihad, Land Jihad and forced religious conversion.
However, the government has not yet made the full draft of the proposed anti-conversion legislation public.
The exact offences, penalties, procedural safeguards and provisions governing complaints and investigations will become clearer once the draft legislation is placed before the state Cabinet or Assembly.
Possible restrictions on land transactions across communities
Alongside the anti-conversion law, the Adhikari government is examining measures concerning land transactions.
The proposed legislation is being discussed in the context of the BJP government’s stated intention to address “Land Jihad”.
Adhikari has not, however, publicly spelt out the exact mechanism that the proposed land law would establish.
It is also not yet clear whether the legislation would directly restrict the sale of property between members of different religious communities, require additional government approval for certain transactions or introduce special scrutiny in specific areas.
Any such restriction would have significant implications because land and property transactions are governed by a combination of state laws, registration rules and property rights.
The government would therefore have to specify the circumstances under which an inter-community transaction could be regulated.
UCC process already underway
The proposed anti-conversion and land-related laws come as the state government moves ahead with its plan to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
Adhikari had earlier said West Bengal would follow the procedure adopted by states such as Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Assam for introducing the UCC.
A committee under a retired judge was proposed to examine the implementation process and seek views from stakeholders.
The UCC is intended to establish a common framework governing areas of personal law such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession across communities.
The BJP government had promised to implement the UCC within six months of assuming office.
BJP’s broader legislative agenda
The moves form part of a wider policy shift under the new BJP government in West Bengal.
Apart from the UCC and anti-conversion legislation, the government has also announced measures relating to illegal immigration, citizenship, public order and alleged encroachment on government and other land.
Adhikari has said the government will take action against illegal immigrants and has spoken of establishing holding centres in border districts for identifying and dealing with alleged infiltrators. He has also distinguished such persons from refugees who entered India after facing religious persecution and are eligible for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act.
The BJP’s election campaign had prominently featured issues including illegal immigration, religious conversion, Love Jihad and alleged land encroachment.
Opposition raises concerns
The proposed laws have already triggered criticism from opposition parties and some community representatives.
Opposition leaders have questioned the government’s intentions behind the UCC and other proposed legislation, arguing that the measures could increase social polarisation.
TMC leaders have also raised concerns over the possible impact of a common civil code on minorities, tribals and existing personal laws. Congress has said it would oppose the UCC and called for wider consultations with different communities before such legislation is introduced.
Some voices have also questioned how proposed laws concerning Love Jihad, Land Jihad and religious conversion would define offences and ensure that similar standards are applied irrespective of the communities involved.
What remains unclear
At present, several details of the proposed anti-conversion and land legislation remain unknown.
The government has not publicly provided a detailed draft specifying:
What will constitute an offence of religious conversion.
Whether force, fraud, coercion, inducement and deception will be separately defined.
What penalties will apply.
Who will be authorised to file complaints.
What safeguards will be available to people accused under the law.
Whether prior government permission or declaration will be required for certain religious conversions.
Whether property transactions between different communities will require additional approval.
Whether the proposed land law will apply across West Bengal or only to specified areas.
How existing property rights and registration procedures will be affected.
These details will be crucial in determining the actual scope of the proposed legislation.
The proposed laws mark a significant shift in West Bengal’s policy direction following the BJP’s return to power.
The government has positioned the UCC, anti-conversion legislation and proposed action against “Land Jihad” as measures aimed at creating a common legal framework, preventing coercive religious practices and protecting property and citizens’ rights.
Adhikari has also repeatedly invoked Bengal’s cultural and national identity while outlining his government’s priorities.
For now, the UCC process has moved further ahead, while the anti-conversion and land-related proposals remain at the policy and legislative-preparation stage.
