Maharashtra govt to enforce tough law against religious conversions, citing rising concerns in tribal regions. Minister vows strict action to curb forced or illegal religious conversion in the state.
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MUMBAI: In a significant move aimed at curbing religious conversions in tribal areas, Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the state assembly that the government is preparing to introduce a strong law against religious conversions in State.
This announcement comes in the backdrop of growing complaints from BJP legislators regarding alleged “forcible conversions” of tribal populations, particularly in the Dhule and Nandurbar districts.
The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a stringent law to curb religious conversions, particularly in tribal regions like Dhule and Nandurbar. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the state assembly that the government will frame a law so strict that
“No one will dare to undertake religious conversion.”
In response to complaints by BJP MLAs about alleged forcible conversions of Bhil tribals to Christianity, often through inducements like medical aid, Bawankule announced a committee headed by a divisional commissioner to investigate 199 unauthorised churches in Navapur taluka, as revealed through an RTI.
The committee will examine these structures and proceed with demolitions where necessary. Tribal Welfare Minister Sanjay Uike added that efforts would be made to bring Christian converts back into the Adivasi fold by reminding them of the constitutional and welfare benefits tied to their tribal status. He said,
“We will remind them of the benefits they have gained with their adivasi caste status.”
Meanwhile, BJP MLAs raised several concerns: Sanjay Kute questioned the continuation of ST benefits post-conversion, Gopichand Padalkar sought action against quota-based job holders who changed religion, and Atul Bhatkalkar demanded a law against love jihad. Former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar alleged that foreign funding was fueling conversions and that the Hindu population percentage was declining.
The government has constituted a committee led by a divisional commissioner to probe the rise of unauthorised churches in Nandurbar district. According to an RTI cited by BJP MLA Anup Agarwal, there are 199 such churches in Navapur taluka alone. The committee will investigate the legitimacy of these structures, and demolition of those found illegal is expected.
Concerns raised by BJP MLAs,
- MLA Anup Agarwal accused missionaries of inducing conversions through aid and incentives like medical help.
- MLA Sanjay Kute demanded action against individuals who converted to another faith but continue availing ST benefits.
- MLA Gopichand Padalkar urged the government to act against employees who secured jobs under reservation but later changed their religion.
- MLA Atul Bhatkalkar called for legislation on “love jihad.”
- Former Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar alleged misuse of foreign funds for conversions and raised concerns over the declining Hindu population percentage.
Bawankule assured that a report on unauthorised structures had been received by the Home Department and that further inquiries and discussions with CM Devendra Fadnavis and Adivasi MLAs would follow to decide on corrective action and reconversion strategies.
Bawankule assured the assembly that:
- The Home Department has received a detailed report on unauthorized religious structures.
- The issue will be discussed with CM Devendra Fadnavis for appropriate inquiry.
- Consultations will be held between Adivasi MLAs and the Tribal Welfare Minister to prepare
- recommendations on reconversion and preservation of traditional Adivasi practices.
- The state will examine international laws against religious conversions for guidance.
The debate on religious conversions in tribal areas remains sensitive and politically charged. While the government’s move is aimed at protecting vulnerable tribal populations from coercion, it must balance the constitutional rights of religious freedom and the socio-cultural dynamics of tribal communities. As Maharashtra prepares to frame this law, the dialogue between policymakers, community leaders, and rights activists will be crucial in shaping a balanced and just approach.
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