BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ghanshyam Tiwari has voiced strong support for the state government’s efforts to bring in the “Prevention of Illegal Conversion Act 2020,” a proposed anti-conversion law aimed at preventing forced religious conversions. Speaking on the issue, Tiwari emphasized that while every individual has the fundamental right to practice and propagate their religion, certain practices that exploit these freedoms must be curbed.
“Every person has the right to freely adopt their method of worship and propagate it. However, some individuals exploit this freedom by using means like greed, promises of marriage, or guarantees of illness cures to coerce others into converting their religion. Such activities cannot be allowed to thrive,” Tiwari remarked. He pointed out that similar anti-conversion laws have already been enacted in several other states across India, reflecting a growing need to address this issue nationwide.
Tiwari also recalled the history of the anti-conversion law in Rajasthan, stating that when the BJP government initially proposed such a law, it was not accepted by the then Governor, who had sent it to the President for further review. He noted that the state government, under the current administration, is now bringing forward the Prevention of Illegal Conversion Act 2020 to tackle religious conversions under fraudulent or coercive circumstances.
The Prevention of Illegal Conversion Act 2020 seeks to prevent unlawful religious conversions by ensuring that such conversions are voluntary and not induced through force, deceit, or monetary incentives. Tiwari’s support for the legislation comes as part of the broader political discourse surrounding religious freedom and the protection of individuals from fraudulent practices.
As discussions continue over the proposed law, Tiwari’s statements reflect the BJP’s commitment to safeguarding religious integrity and ensuring that religious conversions, when they occur, are based on genuine belief and personal choice.
