The chairman of the Samajwadi Party also extended his support to the farmers’ protest (Archive)
Lucknow:
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that his party will oppose the government’s bill on religious conversion in the state assembly.
Earlier this week, the state cabinet passed the Uttar Pradesh Illegal Conversion of Religion Prohibition Ordinance, 2020 to curb forced or “dishonest” religious conversions, including those for the good of marriage, that could lead offenders to jail for up to 10 years.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel gave his consent to the ordinance on Saturday. Now, it will go up to the state legislature for approval. Commenting on it, Akhilesh Yadav told reporters: “The Samajwadi Party is not in favor of any such law. We will oppose it (when it comes to the assembly).”
The government does not want to debate more important issues because of what the ordinance brought, he said, claiming it is creating hatred and chasm in society.
The Samajwadi Party Chairman also supported the farmers’ protest against the Center’s agricultural laws.
“The betterment of farmers cannot be guaranteed by law. It will happen only when the government comes forward and provides them with the correct price for their products,” he said.
Yadav claimed: “No other government has committed as many atrocities against farmers as this government is doing. This deal is being applied by those who have promised to double their income.”
He also asked when the Center is going to enact a law to double farmers’ income and provide employment for young people.
Questioning the UP government’s investment claims, Akhilesh Yadav said that he should also say how it has fared in corruption and fake encounters.
“Bogus cases are being filed against political leaders,” he alleged.
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