Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel, part of the Bhajanlal government, has launched a sharp verbal assault on Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra over the issue of religious conversions. During his visit to Jodhpur, Patel accused the Congress of promoting conversions and providing shelter to criminals involved in such acts. He emphasized that the Bhajanlal government has introduced a stringent law against conversions, which will curb these illegal activities effectively.
Minister Jogaram Patel stated that during the tenure of the previous Congress government, religious conversion activities received state patronage. He alleged that Congress leaders like Dotasra provided asylum to criminals involved in conversions, allowing such acts to flourish without fear. Patel asserted that the current government, led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, has now implemented a strong law against conversions, which will thwart the intentions of the Congress and Dotasra. This law aims to ensure that no individual or organization can force or unduly influence anyone into religious conversion.
Incident in Dotasra's Constituency Highlighted
Patel directly attacked Congress State President Dotasra, warning people not to be misled by him, as he wouldn't come to their rescue. He cited a recent incident that occurred in Dotasra's own assembly constituency, Laxmangarh. Patel informed that in Patoda village, under Nechhwa police station in Laxmangarh, a Muslim youth allegedly lured and abducted a Dalit girl. A police case has been registered, and action is underway. Minister Patel attributed this incident to what he perceives as Dotasra's 'open freedom' for conversions, leading to such occurrences in his area.
Strict Provisions of the New Anti-Conversion Law
The Cabinet Minister detailed the stringent provisions of the new anti-conversion law, while he explained that under this law, illegal conversion will be a non-bailable offense. The law specifically mandates a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for offenses committed against vulnerable groups such as minors, disabled persons, women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST). On top of that, a minimum fine of 10 lakh rupees will be imposed in such cases. This ensures that offenders face not only imprisonment but also significant financial penalties.
Provision for Property Seizure or Demolition
Another crucial provision in the new law is that the property where an illegal religious conversion has taken place can be seized or demolished after investigation. This provision serves as a strong warning to those who use their premises for conversion activities or promote such acts. Patel cautioned that those involved in the illicit business of conversions should now be vigilant, as this 'game' can no longer continue in Rajasthan. He made it clear that individuals must either abide by the law or be prepared to face severe punishment.
Cases Registered in Laxmangarh and Kota
Minister Jogaram Patel informed that following the implementation of the new law, cases. Related to religious conversions have been registered in areas like Laxmangarh and Kota. He assured that strict action would certainly be taken in these matters, and the culprits would be punished according to the law, while this demonstrates the Bhajanlal government's seriousness on the issue of conversions and its commitment to taking all possible steps to prevent such acts. This law is expected to play a significant role in maintaining social harmony and law and order in the state.
