Bhartiya Janta Party National General Secretary CT Ravi on Saturday slammed the Karnataka government for repealing the anti-conversion law, that was introduced by the BJP in the state. He said that the Congress government in Karnataka is facilitating forcible conversion and is giving licenses to those who lure in people to convert. Noting that this has to be stooped, Ravi said he has asked the Sadhus to protect the Hindu society and hold Mahapnachayat against the decision of Congress.
"The then BJP Govt had brought a Bill to stop forcible conversion...Today, Congress Govt is facilitating forcible conversion & giving licenses to those who lure in people to convert. This has to be stopped. So, I have told the Sadhus, that it is their responsibility to protect the Hindu society. I have urged them to hold maha panchayat against this wrong decision of Congress. Direct action needs to be taken to protect society..." he said while speaking to news agency ANI.
This comes after Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to repeal the anti-conversion law that was brought by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party dispensation. In September last year, Karnataka Assembly had passed the 'Karnataka Protection of Rights to Freedom of Religion Bill 2022' which was moved by the then-home minister Araga Jnanendra. Congress had then opposed the bill saying "the intention was not right" and that "it is politically motivated, illegal and is unconstitutional." The party had back then said it would challenge the bill in Court.
The anti-conversion law, which was opposed by a section of Christian community leaders among others, provides for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means.
It proposed imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000, while for violation of provisions with respect to minors, women, SC/ST, the offenders will face imprisonment from three to ten years and a fine of not less than Rs 50,000 and the offence under the act is non-bailable and cognisable.