'No Difference Between BJP And Congress': VHP Questions Rajasthan Government's Management Of 'Love Jihad' And 'Land Jihad' Cases

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has expressed concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Rajasthan government's management of 'love jihad' and 'land jihad' cases, Indian Express reported.

The Hindu organisation stated that they find little distinction between the previous Congress administration and the existing BJP government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.

At a press briefing in Jaipur on Wednesday (5 March), regional minister of VHP, Suresh Upadhyay, referred to an incident from Jahazpur in Bhilwara in 2024. He stated that a Bevan religious procession was allegedly stoned while traversing a Muslim neighborhood, sparking intercommunal strife in the region.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of the case, Upadhyay said, “After looking at this episode, I don’t see much difference due to the change of government. The officers are the same. And they act in the way that suits them."

He questioned how this government will protect the interests of Hindus when no strict laws to deal with 'love jihad' and 'land jihad' is being brought by the Sharma government.

However, he clarified that his discontent with the present government is confined to the issues of "love jihad" and "land jihad", and does not extend to the government's overall operations. He stated that he was unable to endorse the government's performance.

The VHP minister claimed that administrative officers, products of Macaulay’s educational system, treat the situation as a typical love affair, failing to recognise it as 'love jihad'.

He stated that the priority of administrative officers, whether dealing with "love jihad" or "land jihad", should be to "maintain peace". He also expressed criticism towards officials for their inadequate representation in court regarding such matters.

Expressing less faith in the effectiveness of the proposed law against 'love jihad,' Upadhyay demanded a stricter law so that neither the accused nor ignorant administrative officials can escape.

During the current Budget session in the state Assembly, the Rajasthan government presented the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill. The objective of this bill is to address issues such as 'love jihad' among others.

A recent incident involving accusations of rape and blackmail in the Beawar district has caused a surge in communal tensions within the state.