From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 15: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Chief D K Shivakumar claimed that the Basavaraj Bommai regime was divided over the anti-conversion bill and alleged that the BJP government was attempting to introduce it in a surreptitious manner towards the end of the ongoing State Legislature session.

Addressing the media after the State Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting chaired by Congress Opposition leader Siddaramaiah in Belagavi on the sidelines of current State Legislature session in Belagavi on Wednesday, Shivakumar said: “We know that the Government will bring the anti-conversion bill at the last. The Government is deliberately trying to divert the attention by raising religious issues as the elections are coming.’’

The KPCC Chief claimed that there were serious difference of opinion within the State Cabinet and the State Government is deliberately keeping the draft of the bill under wraps and has not taken any steps to circulate the draft of the proposed legislation either among the ruling party members or with the opposition members.

“The government is planning to spring a surprise at the last minute and take the opposition members off-guard,’’ Shivakumar said pointing out that the CLP meeting discussed the proposed anti-conversion bill in detail and unanimously decided to vehemently oppose it whenever it is introduced in the legislature.

The Congress party will also seek repeal of the APMC Act and amendments brought to the Land Reforms Act and Cow Slaughter Act, he said.

Siddaramaiah accused the ruling BJP of having a hidden agenda by misleading people and said the anti-conversion bill was being brought for political reasons.

Stating that the Congress will oppose the bill both in the house and outside, Shivakumar said: “We will oppose the bill and we are ready. This bill is against the Constitution. There is a law already and there is no need for a new law. Government is bringing it unnecessarily.”

When many religions exists, the State cannot have a law that targets one particular religion, he asserted.

Expressing fear that a possible law and order problem could arise out of the law, Shivakumar said: “This will certainly have an impact on investments coming to the state. Investments are expected to come down over the law and order issues. Currently, we are a preferred industrial destination.”

The CLP also discussed strategies to counter the bill, and raise critical issues such as the inadequate distribution of relief to flood affected North Karnataka regions and ignoring development in North Karnataka.

Shivakumar said the CLP discussed the modalities of the proposed padayatra from Mekedatu and said the Congress is going to raise the issue of corruption raised by the contractors association.

The KPCC Chief congratulated the newly elected Legislative Council members Saleem Ahmed, Channaraj Hattiholi and the Hanagal MLA Shrinivas Mane.