At a time when BJP-ruled states are enacting laws against conversion by marriage, Janata Dal (United), an ally of the saffron party in Bihar, claimed on Sunday that such laws will create social hatred and division in society that will not creates. Approve.
“An atmosphere of hatred and division is being created in society in the name of Love Jihad,” Tyagi told reporters after the party’s national executive meeting here.
The term “love jihad” is used by right-wing activists to refer to the alleged campaign by Muslims forcing Hindu girls to convert under the guise of love.
“The provisions of the Constitution and the CrPC free two adults to choose life partners of their choice, regardless of religion, caste or region,” Tyagi said.
Socialists have defended the right of adults to marry regardless of caste and creed since the days of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, he said.
Lohia was a socialist ideologue.
The BJP cabinet ruled Madhya Pradesh on Saturday passed a bill which provides for a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of 1 lakh rupees for conversion through marriage or by any other fraudulent means.
The bill is somewhat similar to an Ordinance notified by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh last month.
In UP, a PIL was filed in the Allahabad High Court challenging the ordinance, claiming that it violates the fundamental right to election and the right to change one’s faith.
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