BJP MP Suggests Withdrawal Of Government Benefits To Tribals Who Convert To Christianity, Courts Controversy

Member of Parliament (MP) from Bastar, Dinesh Kashyap has suggested withdrawal of government benefits to tribals who convert to Christianity, ANI has reported.

"Conversion is a big problem. Those Adivasis, who have converted their religion, shouldn't be allowed to avail benefits of different government facilities," Kashyap said at a rally in Jagdalpur, Chattisgarh.

The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) MP stood by his comment. While speaking to ANI he added, “This is my own thinking. Those who convert their religion should be barred from government facilities. I think this should be followed. The number of such cases will decrease once this rule will be brought into action."

This comment comes after the arrest of 16 preachers under section 4 of Jharkhand Religious Freedom Act on July 9, 2018. The preachers were allegedly trying to convert Adivasis (tribals) to Christianity after which the enraged tribal community held them hostage. The act had come into force in September 2017. The act has a provision for stiff jail sentences for those who attempt conversions through allurement or coercion.

Also Read: Tribals Fight Back Conversion Bid: 16 ‘Preachers’ Arrested In Jharkhand For Trying To Convert Them To Christianity