A new chapter in Rajasthan's political landscape has begun with the implementation of the anti-conversion law, while this legislation, designed to prevent conversions through coercion or undue influence, has become a focal point of intense debate between the ruling party and the opposition. A war of words has erupted between top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, with Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra and Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel at the forefront of the controversy.
Serious Allegations by Jogaram Patel
Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel in the Bhajanlal government has leveled very serious accusations against Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra. Patel claims that during the Congress rule, religious conversions received political patronage, and leaders like Dotasra provided shelter to individuals involved in such offenses, while he issued a stern warning, stating that anyone advocating for conversion would rot in jail. Patel further asserted that the new and stringent anti-conversion law has thwarted such intentions of the Congress. He alleges that no individual or organization can now force, threaten, or unduly influence anyone into conversion, which he claims was rampant during the previous Congress administration.
Reference to Laxmangarh Case
Minister Jogaram Patel also cited a recent case from Dotasra's assembly constituency, Laxmangarh, while he alleged that a Muslim youth enticed and abducted a Dalit girl from Patoda village, under Nechhwa police station. Patel stated that the police have registered a case and initiated action. Linking this incident to conversion, he expressed suspicion that Dotasra had given a free hand to such conversions. These allegations directly question Dotasra's conduct and the law and order situation in his constituency, further escalating the political tension.
Provisions of the New Anti-Conversion Law
Jogaram Patel highlighted the stringent provisions of the new anti-conversion law. He explained that this offense is now non-bailable, meaning the accused won't easily secure bail. Under the law, if the offense is committed against a minor, a person with disability, a woman, or an individual from the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, there is a provision for a minimum of ten years and a maximum of twenty years imprisonment, while On top of that, a fine of up to ten lakh rupees can also be imposed. Patel further informed that any property where illegal conversion has taken place can be seized or demolished after investigation, while he mentioned that after the implementation of the new law, cases have been registered in Laxmangarh and Kota, and the government will take strict action.
Dotasra's Counter-Attack and Accusations Against BJP
In response to these sharp accusations from the BJP, Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra launched a strong counter-attack. He stated that the BJP is rattled after its defeat in the Anta by-election and is making up such baseless allegations out of frustration. Dotasra accused the BJP of trying to divert public attention from real issues and create a Hindu-Muslim narrative. He also referred to the Chief Minister's statement where the CM had called the Anta by-election a 'referendum on two years of work. ' Dotasra said that now, after the defeat, the BJP is fabricating issues. He challenged BJP leaders to produce any statement he made on conversion, asserting that until such a statement is shown, such 'nonsense' shouldn't be given any importance, while dotasra accused the BJP of continuously making irrelevant statements to target him.
Future of the Political Conflict
This political conflict over the anti-conversion law in Rajasthan is likely to intensify in the coming days. On one hand, the BJP is presenting this law as an achievement of its government and a curb on the Congress's alleged appeasement politics. On the other hand, the Congress is calling it an attempt by the BJP to divert issues for political gain. It will be interesting to see what new turn this issue takes in the state's politics and what impact it has on upcoming elections. Both parties are trying to capitalize on this issue according to their respective political ideologies.
