Uma Bharati demands probe into role of Christian missionaries

Puri, Jan 11 (UNI) Bharatiya Janashakti Party president Uma Bharati today demanded a probe into the role of the missionary institutions, operating in Kandhmal, in the conversion of Hindus into Christians.

Expressing concern over the recent communal clashes between the Christians and tribals in Orissa, Ms Bharati said, ''If found guilty, these missionaries should be dealt with severely.'' Talking to newspersons here, she said the administration and the state government had no role to play in the untimely ''Rath Yatra'' of Lord Jaganath organised by the ISKCON devotees.

''The Dharmacharyas of both the sects should sit together and sort out the religious issues but the Sankaracharya has a final say in this regard,'' Ms Bharati said.

She ruled out the speculation of her returning to the BJP but claimed that she had played a vital role to ensure the victory of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

''The retaining of power in Gujarat by Mr Modi has stalled the plans of Sonia Gandhi of becoming the Prime Minister,'' she remarked.

The Bharatiya Janashakti party would play a major role in forming the government in the near future, she claimed and advocated a common front of like-minded parties to promote ''true secularism'' in the country.

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