Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar on Saturday said his party would oppose the proposed anti-conversion bill, arguing that it was aimed at targeting the Christian community.
Talking to reporters after launching the party’s membership drive here, he said the anti-conversion bill would come in the way of attracting investment and development to the state.
He alleged that the government was trying to reduce the contribution of the Christian community in education and other fields by proposing such a bill. The BJP government was planning to introduce the bill keeping in mind the assembly elections 2023. The KPCC chief said, “We will oppose the bill in the form the government will introduce.”
provision of punishment
The proposed bill will have provisions to punish those involved in forced conversions and to make a declaration before a magistrate mandatory before conversion. Sources said the law would empower the authorities to conduct police investigations if required.
A few days ago, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister KS Eshwarappa hit out at Mr. Shivakumar, saying that the BJP has decided to introduce an anti-conversion bill to preserve and protect Indian culture.
Earlier, Mr. Shivakumar launched the membership drive through a virtual meeting with senior leaders. Membership drive was conducted from 2000 different places in the state. Karnataka in-charge General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other leaders participated.
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