Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari has said that the state government is planning to introduce a bill to prevent forced religious conversions in the state. Speaking to reporters yesterday after a meeting of the Paschimanchal Unnayan Parshad (Western Region Development Council) in Bankura, the Chief Minister said that a Uniform Civil Code would be implemented in the state shortly. He said that a draft bill in this regard has already been prepared.

Mr Adhikari alleged that funds are being received from abroad in the name of establishing religious institutions and these funds are being used for religious conversions. He said the government is considering enacting a new law to immediately put a stop to such activities.

The Chief Minister had earlier said that development should be given priority in accelerating the growth of the state’s western districts. He said a three-month action plan has been drawn up focusing on social and infrastructure development in the region.