The Opposition on Wednesday raised the issue of ``conversion by inducement’’ of 350 Muslims in Agra in the Rajya Sabha. Though the Congress joined the Opposition in raising the issue, the party is of the view that the conversion and other communal incidents were a bid by the Sangh Parivar to divert attention from the failure of the Modi Government.
In fact, Congress spokesman and Rajya Sabha member Abhishek Singhvi urged the media not to overplay incidents like the conversion and fall into the RSS-BJP trap of diverting attention from issues like the Government’s failure to address unemployment, violence against women and terrorism. ``Do not allow their game plan to succeed,’’ he said.
Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, BSP leader Mayawati said a similar exercise was being planned in Agra towards the month-end to convert Christians to Hinduism.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) member Sitaram Yechury said the Prime Minister should clarify on the issue. ``India is a secular, democratic republic. If attempts are made to change it, you will not remain but India will remain.’’
The Congress, BSP, Left and Trinamool Congress urged the Chair to direct the Centre to give a clarification on the issue.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said a case has been registered and pointed out that law and order is a State subject.
