JD (U) to oppose conversion bill in Jharkhand

New Delhi, Aug 27 (UNI) Differences between the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) on the issue of ban on religious conversion in Jharkhand came to the fore today with the latter asserting that it would oppose any move by the BJP-led coalition to bring forward a bill for the ban.

JD(U) President Sharad Yadav said today that the party had not been consulted on the issue. It was only informed that the government was preparing to bring a legislation to ban religious conversion. "We will oppose any such legislation. We are opposed to such a move in any state." JD(U) is a partner of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Mr Yadav said the two-day National Executive of the party, concluded here today, unanimously decided to oppose the BJP move in Jharkhand.

"Each and every citizen of the country is free to follow a religion or faith as per his wishes. It is the fundamental right of everyone to remain in one religion or change his religion, " he said, pointing out that "this has been the tradition of India, even when there was monarchy." "It is illegal to ban religious conversions in any democratic set up," he said.

"In a democractic system, it is totally illegal to ban religious conversions", he said.

He clarified that his party did not oppose a similar legislation in BJP-ruled states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh because the party did not have major presence there.

UNI SH RP RK1841