BJP's hidden agenda behind Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill:Cong

Shajapur, MP, Aug 6 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Congress today described the Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill passed during the monsoon assembly session as ''hidden agenda'' of the BJP.

''The Bill violates the rights conferred on citizens by the Article 25 of the Constitution,'' Leader of opposition in state assembly Jamuna Devi and Congress chief whip Sajjan Singh Verma told UNI here today.

The Congress leaders alleged that the Bill made it mandatory for any individual intending to convert to another religion to inform about his intention a month in advance.

This would provide ample time to the BJP's affiliate organisations such as the RSS, the VHP and the Bajrang Dal to intimidate the concerned person, they alleged.

The Opposition Leader said the Bill had not been discussed inside the house and the Congress would protest against the Bill inside and outside the house.

Congress legislators had submitted a memorandum to the President and the Governor demanding not to grant assent to the controversial Bill.

The Congress leaders described the move as a ploy by the BJP to increase its vote bank in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

Ms Devi alleged that the state government was controlling the Centre's schemes as per it wishes. BJP workers interfered in public distribution system (PDS) and indulged in black-marketing of consumer durables.

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