Trinamool alleges conversion of tribals in West Bengal

A TMC MLA alleged that over 100 tribals were lured to Hinduism in an event organised by the VHP in Birbhum district.

A major controversy broke out in West Bengal following allegations of conversion of tribals to Hinduism by the VHP on Wednesday.

A major controversy erupted in West Bengal on Thursday over allegations of religious conversion of several tribals at Rampurhat town of the State’s Birbhum district.

While the Viswa Hindu parishad (VHP) has denied any religious conversion, senior officials conformed to The Hindu that the tribals performed ceremonial offering as per Hindu practices.

“There was no ‘

Ghar Wapsi ’ (home coming) or conversion to Hiduism performed at Khurmadanga in Rampurhat area in Birbhum district. Local tribals took part in ceremonial offerings according to Hindu rituals,” Sachindranath Sinha, VHP organisational secretary told

The Hindu .

However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Asish Banerjee alleged that over 100 tribals who had accepted Christianity in the past were lured to Hinduism in an event organised by the VHP on Wednesday

“The incident occurred in Rampurhat town at Khurmadanga where proper religious ceremony was performed. We will take up the matter with the administration,” Mr. Banerjee said.

"Officially I have not received any information on this,” District Magistrate P Mohangandhi told

The Hindu .

This is for the first time in recent years when row over is reported in the State.