Bengaluru: Approximately 20,000 people including mother of BJP MLA Goolihatti Shekhar have been converted to Christianity in Chitradurga district.
"There has been a steady rise in the conversions of Dalits and Muslims in my district. Between 15,000 to 20,000 people including my mother have been converted to Christianity," he said on the floor of the assembly here on Tuesday during zero hour.
Cases of religious conversions in the district are constantly going up, Shekhar said.
He accused Christian missionaries of giving monetary bribes to the families of the people in lieu for conversion.
"The missionaries brainwash people by promising them of curing their diseases. Even my mother was brainwashed. When my relatives and friends visit my house, they hear Christian songs and carols on her mobile. Out of anxiety, they ask me whether my mother has converted to Christianity. This is quite embarrassing," he said.
After getting brainwashed by the missionaries, the converted people start removing images of God and Goddesses and other pooja items from their homes and replace them with Christian symbols including Jesus Christ and the Cross.
Worried about the rising incidents of conversions, Shekhar appealed to the state government to take immediate action to stop these illegal conversions.
"I am not against those who change their religion as per their wish, but converting people through inducements is a criminal act. The government should take immediate steps to arrest this menace," he said.
Shekhar also appealed to the government to withdraw benefits to the converted Dalits under various public schemes.
He further alleged that the converted Dalits and people lodge false rape and atrocities cases against those who raise voice against conversion.
BJP MLA and former Speaker KG Bopaiah demanded a stricter law to control conversion.
JDS MLA Devanand Fulsing Chavan said there are 3.5 lakh Banjara people residing in Vijayapura district and many thandas have been converted into Christianity and disturbed the peace there.
"Even leading a peaceful life in these Thandas has become difficult," he added.
In reply, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said illegal conversion is a criminal act and the government will keep an eye on these activities.
There is a strong network operating not only in the state but in the entire country, he said. The government is also deliberating on the ways to control the menace, he added.
It is a crime to proselytize through inducements, but there is freedom for people to convert under the prescribed laws, Jnanendra said.
Conversions also disturbs peace and the government feels to control this menace, Jnanendra said. (UNI)
(Photo Credit: Facebook/@Goolihattidshekharmla)
