Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that his party will oppose the state government’s bill on religious conversions when it comes before the assembly for approval.
The state cabinet earlier this week 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 the 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 this, Akhilesh Yadav told reporters: “The Samajwadi Party is not in favor of any such laws. We will oppose (as far as the assembly is concerned). ”He also sought to know its relevance when the state has schemes to encourage inter-caste and inter-religious marriages.
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 SP president also extended his support for the farmers’ protest against the Center’s agricultural laws.
“The improvement 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.
Akhilesh alleged: “No other government has committed as many atrocities against farmers as this government is doing. This treatment is being applied by those who 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 said he should also say how he has fared on corruption and fake encounters.
“Bogus cases are being filed against political leaders,” he alleged.
Asked about the corruption charges against his party leader Azam Khan, Akhilesh Yadav said he was attacked because he had done a good job.
Only time will tell on the corruption and looting that is taking place under the BJP rule, he said.
The former prime minister said once again that the BJP government is copying the schemes and programs of the previous SP regime led by him and hoped that the people would give his party another chance in the 2022 assembly elections.
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