From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Dec 11: Even as the ruling BJP as well as Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai have been repeatedly speaking about introducing the anti-conversion bill in the State Legislature Session commencing on Monday at Belagavi, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D K Shivakumar on Saturday declared that his party will stoutly oppose the bill, which is nothing but a blatant attempt to target the peaceful Christian Community.
Speaking to media persons after launching a membership drive of the party at the KPCC office, Shivakumar said the proposed Anti-Conversion Bill would come in the way of attracting investment and development of the State.
The State Government has been attempting to undermine the contributions of the Christian community in education, health care, social service and other fields by through its anti-conversion bill, he alleged.
Keeping an eye on 2023 Assembly elections, the BJP government was planning to introduce the bill as part of the strategy to polarize the voters.
“In whatever form the government introduces the Bill, we will oppose it,” the KPCC chief declared denouncing the attempts by some ruling BJP members to introduce a private members bill if the Bommai government does not go ahead with its move as announced.
The proposed Bill has provisions to punish the accused involved in forced conversions and make declaration before a magistrate ahead of religious conversions mandatory. The law will empower authorities to conduct police inquiry if needed, sources said.
A couple of days ago, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa hit out at Shivakumar and said the BJP has decided to introduce anti-conversion bill to preserve and protect Indian culture.
"The contribution of the Christian community can never be forgotten,’’ he said asking whether there was even a single complaint from any student who had studied in the Christian educational institutions of any attempt to convert him.
“Are there any complaints from the patients who had obtained treatment from the hospitals run by Christian community of attempts to convert them?’’ he said and warmly appreciated the Christian community for its humanitarian service and contributions in the field of education as well as social service.
Congress will win enough seats in Council
Answering questions from reporters on how many seats out of the 25 legislative Council seats will be won by the Congress party, he said former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has already declared that BJP will win 15 seats.
“We will be content with whatever seats we are able to win out of the remaining seats. Let BJP get elected from the seats it wants, we will be satisfied in bagging the rest of the seats,’’ he said pointing out that Congress party is confident of getting sufficient number of seats.
Asked about the moves within the ruling party on changing the Chief Minister after the council elections, the KPCC Chief said it was the old tradition of BJP to have three Chief Ministers during the term of an assembly.
“Let them have 3 or 6 CMs. We are not worried. It is their internal affair. However, people of the State are suffering as the BJP has failed to provide good administration and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. People are waiting to throw out the BJP government,’’ he said adding that the Congress party will continue its organizational work and serve the people.
AICC General Secretary and State party in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC Media Cell Chief Praveen Chakravarthy, AICC Secretary P V Mohan and other State leaders including Siddaramaiah, Dr G Parameshwar, KPCC Working Presidents B Ramalinga Reddy, Ishwar Khandre, Saleem Ahmed and others were present in the membership enrolment drive.