Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Samik Bhattacharya on Saturday, 27 June issued a formal clarification on the scope of the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in West Bengal, ahead of its scheduled tabling in the state Assembly on 29 June. Bhattacharya categorically stated that Scheduled Tribes (STs) would not fall under the purview of the Bill under any circumstances, addressing growing public uncertainty about the legislation.

What the Clarification Says

In a statement issued on social media, Bhattacharya cited constitutional provisions directly, stating that 'nothing contained in this Code shall apply to members of any Scheduled Tribe within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 342 of the Constitution of India.' The clarification is significant given the substantial Scheduled Tribe population across several districts of West Bengal, particularly in Junglemahal and the northern hill regions.

BJP's Position on UCC in West Bengal

Bhattacharya emphasised that the BJP's support for a Uniform Civil Code is a long-standing policy position and was explicitly part of the party's manifesto ahead of the recently concluded West Bengal assembly elections. He stated there was 'no hiding or masking' of the party's intent. The BJP argues that a UCC would ensure equal rights and equal duties for all citizens under a single civil framework, replacing religion-based personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

Key Provisions and What Is Not Included

Bhattacharya outlined that a uniform civil structure would, in his view, strengthen constitutional ideals of unity, justice, and equality. He specifically noted that enacting such a law could serve as a step toward eliminating practices permitted under certain personal laws, including polygamy. He also clarified, notably, that family planning or determining the number of children is not part of the UCC's purpose or provisions — pushing back against a widely circulated misconception.

Balancing Equality and Constitutional Protections

The BJP leader sought to frame the two objectives — equal civil law for all citizens and the special constitutional protections afforded to Scheduled Tribes — as complementary rather than contradictory. He said there was 'no reason to spread confusion,' arguing that both priorities had been addressed together in the proposed legislation. This comes amid broader national debate over UCC implementation, with Uttarakhand having become the first state to enact such a code earlier in 2024.

What Happens Next

The UCC Bill is set to be introduced in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 29 June. Its passage would mark a significant political moment for the BJP in a state where the party is in opposition to the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Opposition reactions from the TMC and other parties are expected once the Bill is formally tabled.