Amit Shah promises UCC in Bengal, vows ban on multiple marriages if BJP wins

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday (April 21) said that if the BJP is voted to power in West Bengal, it would ban the practice of multiple marriages by one man by enforcing the Uniform Civil Code in the state.

“Once voted to power, the BJP will ban four marriages in a certain community by enforcing UCC in Bengal,” said Shah, addressing a rally in Kulti, on the outskirts of Paschim Bardhaman's industrial hubs of Asansol and Barakar.

Attack on TMC over industry

Accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) of ruining Bengal's industrial prospects, the Union Home Minister further stated that the TMC government has brought Kulti, once the country's hub of iron ore production, to its knees through its corrupt practices.

Also Read: West Bengal will reply to bombs and bullets with votes: Amit Shah

"Kulti used to be the hub of iron ore production of the country, but the Mamata Banerjee government has brought it to its knees. We will take the iron city back to its glory, stop illegal mining, impose effective bans on the pollution-creating sponge iron production in the region and create job opportunities for local youths," Shah said.

Jobs and law-and-order promises

Accusing the TMC government of "stealing jobs from deserving candidates and selling them to the undeserving ones", the Union minister said, "The BJP promises merit-based employment to one lakh youths in Bengal each year if it is voted to power."

Shah also promised an "infiltrator-free Bengal" once the BJP is voted to power in the state. The new government would also put an end to the fledgling syndicate, mafia and goonda raj in the state, he added.

Manifesto focuses on UCC

Earlier this month Shah said that the BJP would move to implement the UCC within six months if voted to power in West Bengal, placing it at the centre of the party’s election plank.

Also Read: BJP promises UCC in 6 months, Rs 3,000 aid for women in West Bengal manifesto

Releasing the 15-point “Sankalp Patra” in Kolkata, Shah said a uniform set of civil laws would apply to all citizens across the state, alongside a “zero tolerance” policy on infiltration and cow smuggling. “Within six months, we will implement the UCC in Bengal,” he said, adding that border controls would be tightened to curb illegal movement.

Polling dates and voter row

West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, amid a row over the deletion of lakhs of voters, which the Trinamool Congress has blamed on an alleged collusion between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India.

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, along with that in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. (With agency inputs)