Religious conversions not good for society, brings problems in families: Bommai

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that people need not worry about the proposed Anti-conversion bill. There shall be no hindrance in worship and religious practices of people belonging to any religion, he said, for Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism are all constitutionally recognized religions.

"The Bill is only to prevent religious conversions by inducements," he clarified.

Since the post-independence era, the issue of religious conversions has been debated for a long time, and several states have already enacted anti-conversion laws. After studying the laws enacted in other states, a majority also want similar laws to be enacted in the state, the CM said.

"In this background, the Law department is studying the laws enacted in other states. Then the draft would be placed before the state cabinet. If the Law department submits the draft, then it would come up for discussion in the Belagavi session of state legislature," Bommai said.

"Religious conversions are not good for society. The poor and vulnerable sections of the society should not fall for it. Conversions bring problems within the families. So, the bill is being proposed," he said.

Regarding the Belagavi session of the state legislature, Bommai said that meaningful debates on development work and public grievances are expected.

"A legislature session is being held in Belagavi after two years. State government has completed all the preparations for a smooth session. I wish to have fruitful debates on issues related to development and redressal of grievances of the people of the state."

People of Northern Karnataka are keen to witness serious debates, especially about issues related to the comprehensive development of their region. "We want to make decisions on many important issues," Bommai said.