‘Love Jihad’ not an electoral pawn for BJP, love should be respected: BJP National Secretary

Mumbai: While right-wing groups lambast social media with fabricated stories about the alleged 'Love Jihad' and propaganda movies portraying it as a menace in society, even the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, claimed that most cases of 'Love Jihad' are registered in his state, BJP's National Secretary Pankaja Munde claims that there is no agenda within the party to use 'Love Jihad' as an electoral pawn.

Munde denied claims that 'Love Jihad' was on the central government's agenda, emphasizing that couples who come together out of love should be respected. Munde highlighted the importance of recognizing love as a powerful force that transcends barriers and should not be hindered.

Munde expressed her belief that genuine love should be celebrated without prejudice, stating, "I think love is love. Love sees no walls. If two people have come together purely out of love, it should be respected." However, she emphasized the need to distinguish cases involving deceit or manipulation. Munde added, "If there is some bitterness and artifice behind it, it should be seen differently. However, if a woman is tricked into an interfaith marriage, it should be seen differently."

Dismissing speculations, Munde asserted, "No such subject as 'love jihad' has ever been on the agenda of the Modi government." She emphasized that discussions within the government have consistently revolved around development and progress, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to steer the country towards growth over the next 25 years.

While some BJP leaders in state governments have previously spoken about taking action against 'love jihad,' Munde's statements appear to provide a different perspective. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, earlier this month, expressed concerns about the increasing instances of "love jihad" in the state, vowing to take strict measures. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Chouhan stated that his government had taken a serious view of 'love jihad' and would not tolerate the vicious cycle of religious conversion.

Munde's remarks shed light on the complexity of the issue, calling for a nuanced approach that respects genuine love while remaining vigilant against any attempts to manipulate individuals through deceitful means. As the discussions around 'love jihad' continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by various stakeholders while ensuring the preservation of individual freedoms and rights.