Daijiworld Media Network - Bagalkot (SP)

Bagalkot, Dec 13: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje, has expressed her support for the proposal to move the anti-conversion bill for discussion at the Belagavi session of the assembly. Speaking to media representatives here, she exhorted the government to take a firm stand on the issue of religious conversions. She noted that after the suicides and Love Jihad cases in Mangaluru, prevention of conversions is being discussed on a large scale in the country. She observed that religious conversions of people from all the castes are happening on a large scale by making use of people's poverty, health condition and other issues.

"The government should seriously consider this issue. Social inequality should not be allowed to be created. No one should be allowed to make use of our poverty and helplessness. We also should think of developing other classes of the society. An honest study should be conducted into the causes for the conversions," she stated.

On the issue of the Congress opposing the conversion bill, Karandlaje said it is the mentality of the Congress. Refusing to speak further, she said because of election code of conduct and being a union minister she cannot speak much on controversial issues. She said she has observed about cases from West Bengal, Assam, Bangladesh and North East children from where are protected, voter IDs are issued to convert them into voters. She said these things should be investigated and suitable action should be initiated.

"I feel it better not to speak anything about D K Shivakumar. His party is based on one class, one caste, and supported by one religion. People of the country in the last two elections have shown what they want," she said. Speaking about the people celebrating the demise of Rawat, she termed them as traitors who deserve harsh punishment.

On the issue of giving eggs in schools, she said no one can impose food habits and it is left to the individuals and their families to choose what the child wants to eat. She felt that the mother should be allowed to decide what the child should eat. On the other hand, she felt that instead of food, cash can be given to the mothers who can buy things best suited for their children. She said discussions should be held before taking a decision. However, she personally felt that it is best left to the discretion of individuals.