BJP seeks Bill banning religious conversion in next monsoon session

Ranchi, July 3 (UNI) Expressing concern over alleged religious conversions in Jharkhand, the BJP today said after consultation with coalition partners, the ruling NDA will seek to introduce a Bill banning conversion in the state during the coming monsoon session.

State party president Ydunath Pandey announcing this at a press conference here said a ''vicious cycle'' was actively engaged in luring people for conversion.

Mr Pandey said the government would introduce the Bill only after having a dialogue with coalition partners.

He said the party's padayatra from June 23 to 30 on the occasion of Santhal Hul celebration was mainly aimed at creating public awareness in this regard.

He termed ''flop show'' the 'santhal hul' programme, organised by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha(JVM) at Bhognadih in Sahebganj district.

He sought to undermine the allegations Babulal Marandi, who left the party in opposition to the Arjun Munda government, saying the party was working in this regard and trying to fight poverty and corruption.

Referring to Mr Marandi leaving the BJP, he said nobody liked to share a platform with ''deserters.'' UNI PRS SJC YA ND1920