VHP threatens stir on Religious Conversion Bill

Jaipur, Apr 14: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has threatened widespread protests in Rajasthan if the Governor fails to sign the Bill for prohibition of religious conversions within the next two months.

Stating this at a press conference here today, Mr Jugal Kishore, regional co-organising secretary, Rajasthan, said conversions continue unabated in the state, especially in the tribal areas.

The VHP questioned the reasons behind Governor Pratibha Patil's not signing the Rajasthan Dharma Swatantra (religious freedom) Bill when seven other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh, have already passed the Bill.

They have threatened dharnas, protests, demonstrations to create awareness about the Bill amongst the people if the Governor doesn't sign the bill within the next two months.

The Bill was introduced by the BJP government in the House last year in April and passed by a voice vote after a stormy walkout by Opposition Congress and CPI(M) members.

However, Governor Patil refused to sign the Bill and sent it back to the government expressing her reservations.

Expressing concern over cow slaughter and smuggling, VHP also demanded that the promised task force to tackle the problem be set up immediately.

UNI