Goa CM Pramod Sawant advocates for anti-conversion laws, citing recent cases of ‘love jihad’ and stressing the need to curb alleged forced religious conversions in the state.
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GOA: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said need for an anti-conversion law in the state, citing rising concerns over “forced religious conversions” and “love jihad.” Speaking on the first day of the Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Sawant claimed there had been targeted cases of religious conversion that warrant legislative action.
He said,
“Forced conversions are not allowed under the anti-conversion law in Uttar Pradesh. Several states have passed such laws. I feel we too need a law so that forced conversions do not take place. There was denial about ‘love jihad’. We have noticed cases of ‘love-jihad’ in the state. If you want, I can give you details later.”
Urging the Congress party to support the proposed law, Sawant said,
“Recently, some targeted cases are occurring. You may say they are adults…they are in love, but when there are (specific) cases of targeting, then we will have to pay attention.”
The CM drew attention with states like Uttar Pradesh, which already have anti-conversion laws in place. He referred to a recent case involving the arrest of S B Krishna alias Ayesha, an accused in an alleged inter-state and internationally-funded conversion racket busted by the Uttar Pradesh Police. According to UP police, the network involved young women, particularly minors, across states for religious conversion and was linked with organisations like Popular Front of India (PFI), Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and even extremist groups based in Pakistan.
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The term “love jihad”, a controversial phrase used to describe alleged conspiracies where Muslim men purportedly induce women into marriage for conversion, has long been a flashpoint in national politics. CM Sawant claimed that Goa too has seen such cases.
“There was denial about love jihad. We have noticed cases in the state. If you want, I can give you details later.”
Vijai Sardesai, president of the Goa Forward Party, called the issue a “borrowed narrative” that doesn’t align with Goa’s ground realities. He said,
“If there are forced conversions, show us the data. Where is the report? Do not confuse Goans with borrowed narratives. This is about crime, not religion.”
Independent MLA Aleixo Lourenco also challenged the Chief Minister’s claims, stating that no significant religious conversions were occurring in Goa, especially from the Catholic community. He said,
“There are no conversions happening in Goa, especially from the Catholic side.”
In response, Sawant clarified that interfaith marriages by choice are not the issue, but conversions through coercion, particularly by financial inducement, must be scrutinized.
“Goa’s harmony has never been disturbed and it should never be. I made it clear that this is against those who are attempting to do forced conversions. Inter-religious marriages are happening in Goa. That is their willingness…their wish. But forced conversions…by giving money…should not happen.”
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AAP MLA Cruz Silva expressed concern over security lapses in the state, especially in light of recent revelations. He highlighted that the accused S B Krishna, had been residing in Old Goa during the Grand Exposition of Saint Francis Xavier, attended by lakhs. He asked,
“Goa is an international tourist hub, drawing visitors from across India and the world. During the recent grand Exposition of Saint Francis Xavier in Old Goa, attended by lakhs, the accused, allegedly linked to ISIS, was also residing there. Now that she’s been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police, the truth has emerged. But how did the Goa Police and Crime Branch remain unaware of her presence?”
Silva called for a thorough investigation into how many such individuals are residing in Goa, questioning the preparedness of local law enforcement in an international tourist hub.
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