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Mamata Banerjee reportedly instructed her supporters to strongly oppose the legislation both inside and outside the Assembly.
The proposed Bill is also expected to become a contest over who represents the TMC’s political legacy after the party’s electoral defeat.
The BJP government’s proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill is set to become the first major political test for the Trinamool Congress’s rival factions as it will be tabled in the West Bengal Assembly on Monday.
While both camps have announced their opposition to the legislation, the debate is expected to expose the growing power struggle within the party, with the factions led by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee preparing separate strategies and speakers to challenge the Bill.
According to PTI, both sides are crafting distinct political narratives, turning the Assembly discussion into more than just a confrontation between the BJP and the opposition. It is also expected to become a contest over who represents the TMC’s political legacy after the party’s electoral defeat.
What Is UCC?
The BJP, which ended the TMC’s 15-year rule in the state less than two months ago, is expected to introduce the UCC Bill as one of its key legislative promises. The proposed law seeks to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, replacing religion-based personal laws. Supporters argue it ensures equality before the law and removes discrimination arising from religion-based personal laws.
At a meeting with party legislators on Friday, Mamata Banerjee reportedly instructed her supporters to strongly oppose the legislation both inside and outside the Assembly, arguing that it raises concerns over constitutional values, social consensus and India’s pluralistic character.
Big Test For TMC Factions
The Ritabrata Banerjee camp has also questioned the government’s decision to introduce the Bill without broader consultation. “A matter like the UCC requires extensive discussion and consultation,” Ritabrata Banerjee said recently.
The internal rift within the TMC has widened since the Assembly election. The split became evident when 58 of the party’s 80 MLAs backed Ritabrata Banerjee’s claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition instead of the party leadership’s nominee. The rebel camp now claims the support of around 65 legislators, making Monday’s debate its first major showdown inside the House.
Why Does UCC Matter In West Bengal Specifically?
Political leaders have flagged that minority-dominated districts — Malda, Murshidabad, and parts of North Dinajpur — could see significant political and social impact. Party sources claim a section of women from minority communities has welcomed the UCC proposal, saying it could strengthen their legal rights around marriage, divorce, and inheritance — though this claim has not been independently verified.
For BJP, UCC is a long-standing ideological and policy commitment. If passed, it would rank among the most significant legislative reforms of West Bengal’s first BJP government.
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