Bihar BJP Demands Strict Legislation to Stop Religious Conversions in State
BJP MLAs urge Bihar govt for strict anti-conversion law citing forced cases.
Legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party in Bihar have urged the state government to introduce a stringent law aimed at preventing religious conversions, arguing that existing legal provisions are insufficient to address what they describe as “forced” or “induced” conversions in certain districts.
Several BJP MLAs raised the issue during recent political discussions and party forums, calling for a comprehensive anti-conversion statute modeled on laws enacted in other Indian states. They claimed that vulnerable communities, particularly in rural and economically weaker regions, are being targeted through alleged inducements and coercion. The lawmakers emphasized the need for strict penal provisions, mandatory reporting mechanisms, and enhanced administrative oversight.
Currently, Bihar does not have a dedicated anti-conversion law, unlike states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which have enacted legislation regulating religious conversions. BJP legislators argued that a similar framework in Bihar would serve as a deterrent and ensure greater transparency in cases involving religious change. They also maintained that any proposed law would be aimed at preventing unlawful conversions rather than restricting constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion.
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Opposition leaders, however, have expressed reservations about the proposal, warning that such legislation could be misused and may infringe upon individual rights protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. Critics contend that existing provisions under the Indian Penal Code already address coercion and fraud, making a separate law unnecessary.
The demand for stricter anti-conversion measures comes amid broader national debates on religious freedom and governance. Whether the Bihar government moves forward with drafting legislation remains to be seen, but the issue is likely to generate significant political discussion in the state in the coming months.
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