Union home minister Amit Shah (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would implement the RSS and his party’s ambitious Uniform Civil Code (UCC) once they are voted to power in high-stakes West Bengal elections.Shah, who has pulled out all the stops ahead of votings in Bengal, in no uncertain terms, has said that the UCC would be rolled out within six months of the BJP coming to power. Watch ‘UCC In 6 Months, 1 Crore Jobs, Rs 3,000 To Women’: Amit Shah Unveils BJP Manifesto For Bengal Polls UCC is a proposal to have one common set of personal laws for all citizens in India, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, regardless of religion. It aims to ensure equality before law and promote national integration by replacing religion-based personal laws with a uniform legal framework.In the Bengal polls, where BJP strives to wrest power from three-time chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who fiercely opposes the UCC, the issue is expected to highly polarise the elections as the proposed legislation constitutes one of the Sangh’s key propositions that the ruling BJP has been rolling out in phases in the states it rules.Shah made these remarks while releasing the party’s manifesto, “Sankalp Patra”, earlier in the day for the West Bengal Assembly elections.Addressing a programme in Kolkata after unveiling the manifesto, Shah said several BJP-ruled states have already implemented the UCC to ensure that a single, uniform set of laws applies to all citizens.”Several BJP-ruled states have implemented the Uniform Civil Code. Within six months, we will implement the UCC in Bengal and ensure that a single, uniform set of laws applies to all citizens across the state,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.He further said the party would take steps to stop infiltration and cattle smuggling across the state’s borders.”We will not only seal Bengal’s borders against infiltrators but also ensure that not a single cow is smuggled out of India through Bengal,” Shah said.Speaking about the party’s election manifesto, Shah said the “Sankalp Patra” presents a roadmap to address concerns of various sections of society in the state and aims to bring them out of despair.”This manifesto is a path to bring every section of Bengal out of despair. It will show a new way out for farmers surrounded by various kinds of fears. This manifesto will also place before the people of Bengal the roadmap for the developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Modi,” he said.The Union Home Minister further claimed that people in the state are seeking political change.”The people are frightened and disillusioned. The people want change from the heart. Today we are working as the main opposition party in the Bengal Assembly,” he said.Shah also said that a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge would be set up to investigate instances of political violence, and that three White Papers would be introduced to address corruption, political violence, and the restoration of law and order.”We will constitute a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all instances of political violence–regardless of which party was targeted–and ensure that every case is brought to its logical conclusion. Three White Papers will be introduced to address corruption, political violence, and the restoration of law and order,” said Shah.The manifesto, themed around the concept of “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), promises a shift in governance with a focus on national security, youth employment, and women’s safety. Listing key commitments, Shah said the BJP has outlined 15 major promises aimed at addressing governance, development, and security concerns in West Bengal.Polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with votes set to be counted on May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTelangana HC Grants Pawan Khera One Week Bail In FIR By Himanta Sarma’s WifePunjabi Influencer Kamal Kaur’s Murder: Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused Amritpal Singh MehronIndian Army Clears Brigadier Post For Col Shrikant Purohit After Acquittal In Malegaon Blast Case’Love Jihad Or Law Violation?’ Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Bhosle Case Raises Serious Legal QuestionsIndia–US Trade Deal Enters Final Phase; Delegation Set for Washington VisitAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US TalksIndia To Post Defence Attaché In Mauritius; Oil, Gas Pact Nears Finalisation: EAM Jaishankar‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government Reconsidered123Photostories5 dog breeds known for unmatched loyalty: From Akita to ChihuahuaHow Kenyan group at Mumbai airport tried to ditch 29kg gold hidden in shoes, but DRI tracked their every moveHow does Sawai Padmanabh Singh’s home in Jaipur City Palace look like: 5 mesmerising photos from inside10 essential things to pack for every trip: The only travel checklist you needFrom opening up about his Rs 2 crore debt to rejection at Shark Tank India: Times when Rajesh Kumar made headlinesWhat people secretly feel about you (numerology insight)5 rare Ferrari cars collectors dream of owning7 elegant living room styles that enhance high-end property appeal6 rose-like flowers perfect for balcony gardens and small spaces10 home names inspired by time, moments, and life phases123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVijayKerala Missing StudentTiger WoodsTelangana Triple MurderUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026
Union home minister Amit Shah (ANI photo)
NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would implement the RSS and his party’s ambitious Uniform Civil Code (UCC) once they are voted to power in high-stakes West Bengal elections.Shah, who has pulled out all the stops ahead of votings in Bengal, in no uncertain terms, has said that the UCC would be rolled out within six months of the BJP coming to power.
UCC is a proposal to have one common set of personal laws for all citizens in India, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, regardless of religion. It aims to ensure equality before law and promote national integration by replacing religion-based personal laws with a uniform legal framework.In the Bengal polls, where BJP strives to wrest power from three-time chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who fiercely opposes the UCC, the issue is expected to highly polarise the elections as the proposed legislation constitutes one of the Sangh’s key propositions that the ruling BJP has been rolling out in phases in the states it rules.Shah made these remarks while releasing the party’s manifesto, “Sankalp Patra”, earlier in the day for the West Bengal Assembly elections.Addressing a programme in Kolkata after unveiling the manifesto, Shah said several BJP-ruled states have already implemented the UCC to ensure that a single, uniform set of laws applies to all citizens.“Several BJP-ruled states have implemented the Uniform Civil Code. Within six months, we will implement the UCC in Bengal and ensure that a single, uniform set of laws applies to all citizens across the state,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.He further said the party would take steps to stop infiltration and cattle smuggling across the state’s borders.“We will not only seal Bengal’s borders against infiltrators but also ensure that not a single cow is smuggled out of India through Bengal,” Shah said.Speaking about the party’s election manifesto, Shah said the “Sankalp Patra” presents a roadmap to address concerns of various sections of society in the state and aims to bring them out of despair.“This manifesto is a path to bring every section of Bengal out of despair. It will show a new way out for farmers surrounded by various kinds of fears. This manifesto will also place before the people of Bengal the roadmap for the developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Modi,” he said.The Union Home Minister further claimed that people in the state are seeking political change.“The people are frightened and disillusioned. The people want change from the heart. Today we are working as the main opposition party in the Bengal Assembly,” he said.Shah also said that a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge would be set up to investigate instances of political violence, and that three White Papers would be introduced to address corruption, political violence, and the restoration of law and order.“We will constitute a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all instances of political violence–regardless of which party was targeted–and ensure that every case is brought to its logical conclusion. Three White Papers will be introduced to address corruption, political violence, and the restoration of law and order,” said Shah.The manifesto, themed around the concept of “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), promises a shift in governance with a focus on national security, youth employment, and women’s safety. Listing key commitments, Shah said the BJP has outlined 15 major promises aimed at addressing governance, development, and security concerns in West Bengal.Polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with votes set to be counted on May 4.
![NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government’s proposed move to amend the women’s reservation law and expand the number of parliamentary seats could violate the Model Code of Conduct and have “grave consequences”. He also asserted that the opposition will move unitedly on this.Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge said the issue required deeper consultation and that the opposition would respond collectively. “Therefore, following this meeting, we will formulate a collective strategy by holding discussions on these issues with our colleagues in the opposition as well. We will move forward unitedly,” Kharge was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The Congress chief also questioned the timing of the special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, alleging it was aimed at political gain. “The Modi government is convening Parliament’s sittings with the sole intention of securing political advantage and is keen to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill in utmost haste,” Kharge said.He noted that the proposed amendments could significantly impact India’s electoral system and therefore warranted “very deep deliberation”. “Based on the information we have received so far, the government wants to implement women’s reservation starting from the 2029 elections … it wants to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816,” Kharge said.Raising concerns over the delimitation exercise, he added, “This delimitation proposal will have serious consequences. Therefore, there is a need for very deep deliberation on delimitation.”Kharge further alleged that the government had ignored the opposition’s request to hold an all-party meeting after the conclusion of polling in West Bengal. “This constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct … we harbour no expectation that [the Election Commission] will even take cognisance of these violations,” he said.The meeting, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, discussed the government’s proposal on women’s reservation, delimitation, and the broader political context ahead of upcoming elections.In a Facebook post, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Congress remains steadfastly committed to ensuring women’s empowerment and social justice.”The government is expected to introduce bills during the special session to implement the Women’s Reservation Act before the 2029 general elections and increase Lok Sabha seats, with a significant share reserved for women.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJustice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Row — Why He Stepped Down On Day Of Impeachment Defence’Win A War Without Firing?’ CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Shift From Battlefield To Perception WarfareExercise Brahmastra: Indian army’s first firing from the AH-64E Apache attack helicoptersMarco Rubio’s India Visit Next Month After Talks With Vikram Misri in WashingtonTelangana HC Grants Pawan Khera One Week Bail In FIR By Himanta Sarma’s WifePunjabi Influencer Kamal Kaur’s Murder: Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused Amritpal Singh MehronIndian Army Clears Brigadier Post For Col Shrikant Purohit After Acquittal In Malegaon Blast Case’Love Jihad Or Law Violation?’ Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Bhosle Case Raises Serious Legal QuestionsIndia–US Trade Deal Enters Final Phase; Delegation Set for Washington VisitAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US Talks123PhotostoriesWant love that lasts? 5 phrases that can save your relationshipChild’s roti and sugar for school lunch goes viral: 13 school tiffin meals that all 90s kids can relate to10 stunning gates that reflect the beauty of Indian architectureThat constant throat clearing isn’t just a habit: What it could reveal about acid reflux and how to manage it5 times Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was mocked for being uniqueBest TV mystery and thriller series: ‘Sherlock’, ‘Line of Duty’, ‘Dexter’ and moreKangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan to Hema Malini: Bollywood celebrities who stepped into politicsFrom theatre roots to ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, how Rakesh Bedi became the surprise scene-stealerFlyovers, U-turns, parallel roads: Why Delhi’s Aurobindo Marg needs urgent fixKey safety upgrades for Pune’s Rakshak Chowk flyover before inauguration123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVijayKerala Missing StudentTiger WoodsTelangana Triple MurderUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1775826120_photo.jpg "NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government’s proposed move to amend the women’s reservation law and expand the number of parliamentary seats could violate the Model Code of Conduct and have “grave consequences”. He also asserted that the opposition will move unitedly on this.Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge said the issue required deeper consultation and that the opposition would respond collectively. “Therefore, following this meeting, we will formulate a collective strategy by holding discussions on these issues with our colleagues in the opposition as well. We will move forward unitedly,” Kharge was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The Congress chief also questioned the timing of the special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, alleging it was aimed at political gain. “The Modi government is convening Parliament’s sittings with the sole intention of securing political advantage and is keen to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill in utmost haste,” Kharge said.He noted that the proposed amendments could significantly impact India’s electoral system and therefore warranted “very deep deliberation”. “Based on the information we have received so far, the government wants to implement women’s reservation starting from the 2029 elections … it wants to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816,” Kharge said.Raising concerns over the delimitation exercise, he added, “This delimitation proposal will have serious consequences. Therefore, there is a need for very deep deliberation on delimitation.”Kharge further alleged that the government had ignored the opposition’s request to hold an all-party meeting after the conclusion of polling in West Bengal. “This constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct … we harbour no expectation that [the Election Commission] will even take cognisance of these violations,” he said.The meeting, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, discussed the government’s proposal on women’s reservation, delimitation, and the broader political context ahead of upcoming elections.In a Facebook post, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Congress remains steadfastly committed to ensuring women’s empowerment and social justice.”The government is expected to introduce bills during the special session to implement the Women’s Reservation Act before the 2029 general elections and increase Lok Sabha seats, with a significant share reserved for women.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJustice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Row — Why He Stepped Down On Day Of Impeachment Defence’Win A War Without Firing?’ CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Shift From Battlefield To Perception WarfareExercise Brahmastra: Indian army’s first firing from the AH-64E Apache attack helicoptersMarco Rubio’s India Visit Next Month After Talks With Vikram Misri in WashingtonTelangana HC Grants Pawan Khera One Week Bail In FIR By Himanta Sarma’s WifePunjabi Influencer Kamal Kaur’s Murder: Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused Amritpal Singh MehronIndian Army Clears Brigadier Post For Col Shrikant Purohit After Acquittal In Malegaon Blast Case’Love Jihad Or Law Violation?’ Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Bhosle Case Raises Serious Legal QuestionsIndia–US Trade Deal Enters Final Phase; Delegation Set for Washington VisitAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US Talks123PhotostoriesWant love that lasts? 5 phrases that can save your relationshipChild’s roti and sugar for school lunch goes viral: 13 school tiffin meals that all 90s kids can relate to10 stunning gates that reflect the beauty of Indian architectureThat constant throat clearing isn’t just a habit: What it could reveal about acid reflux and how to manage it5 times Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was mocked for being uniqueBest TV mystery and thriller series: ‘Sherlock’, ‘Line of Duty’, ‘Dexter’ and moreKangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan to Hema Malini: Bollywood celebrities who stepped into politicsFrom theatre roots to ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, how Rakesh Bedi became the surprise scene-stealerFlyovers, U-turns, parallel roads: Why Delhi’s Aurobindo Marg needs urgent fixKey safety upgrades for Pune’s Rakshak Chowk flyover before inauguration123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVijayKerala Missing StudentTiger WoodsTelangana Triple MurderUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026")
