Karnataka’s anti-conversion law has triggered protests by Christian groups.
Bangalore:
From burning religious books belonging to the Christian community to breaking into churches and attacking its members, there have been reports of attacks on religious minorities in Karnataka as the anti-conversion bill became a hot topic of discussion in the cabinet this September. But when NDTV asked whether the ruling BJP had data or evidence to support its claim of increasing illegal conversions in the state, the party had few answers.
Despite mounting attacks against Christians and objections to the anti-conversion bill raised by the community, the Karnataka government is pushing ahead with its plans, justifying it on the grounds that illegal conversions are on the rise.
But when NDTV asked a senior BJP leader whether there was strong evidence to support these claims, he said, “the data is not necessary,” adding that “all” conversions are illegal.
BJP’s Vaman Acharya said, “The data is not necessary as it is clear. It is very clear from the 0.5 per cent to 3 per cent increase in the Christian population. As far as the BJP is concerned, all conversions are illegal. All are illegal,” BJP’s Vaman Acharya said. ,
When NDTV asked about the figure for his claim that the Christian population had increased from 0.5 per cent to 3 per cent, he claimed that it was from the 2011 census, the last available census. However, as per 2011 census data, Karnataka’s Christian population stood at 1.87 per cent – a drop compared to the 2001 census, where it stood at 1.91 per cent.
The official spokesperson of the BJP in the state, Dr. Giridhar Upadhyay, was equally vague when the evidence was sought.
“The government has ordered a survey on those churches which are registered and unregistered, and illegal churches. Because many houses have been converted into prayer halls where people are seduced, and fear is brought to their minds. ..and all such things are happening,” he said.
The opposition has said that insisting on illegal conversions is a political gimmick.
“For political gains, the government is bringing an anti-conversion law. If the matter is serious, let them bring a law in Parliament. This is happening only in the states, only to politicize the issue. Attacks on minority communities are increasing. State Congress chief DK Shivakumar said.
While Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said that the anti-conversion bill will be taken up for discussion in the winter session of the Assembly, sporadic protests have erupted in Bengaluru city. A day after human chain protests against the bill, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties on Tuesday released a report documenting around 39 incidents of hate crimes by Hindutva groups.
At least seven attacks against Christians since September have been carried out by Hindu watchmen who have spoken of forced conversions.
When NDTV spoke to former Karnataka police chief ST Ramesh, why police are seen as little more than spectators for attacks, he said police in the state were “violating the law of the land and the Constitution”. .
“Police always operate in a political system that cannot be done away with. Karnataka has seen a recent wave of anti-Christian violence and vandalism, which seems to have the tacit support of the government. Generally, from the police They are expected to register suo motu cases and take action. Investigate impartially. It is clear that they are not doing so because of some pressure,” Mr. Ramesh said.
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