Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday, took a very aggressive stance as he reiterated the state's intent of legal action against forced/fraudulent religious conversions and 'love jihad'.
“The BJP government is for all; it is with everyone, irrespective of caste and religion. There is no discrimination. But if there are any attempts to do anything disgusting with our daughters, I will break you,” Chouhan said.
He went on to add that if someone plots religious conversion, or does anything like 'love jihad', they will be totally destroyed.
The chief minister's reiteration came at an event in Nasrullahganj of Sehore district where Rs 100 crore was transferred to 5 lakh farmers under the chief minister's farmers' welfare scheme.
Govt belongs to everyone - all religions & castes. There is no discrimination but if someone tries to do anything disgusting with our daughters, then I'll break you. If someone plots religious conversion or does anything like 'Love Jihad', you will be destroyed: MP CM SS Chouhan pic.twitter.com/Tj1nwnu14q
— ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2020
The Madhya Pradesh government is in the process of formulating a law against forced or fraudulent religious conversion and marriage for the intent of such conversions. The government has already announced that a bill to this effect will be brought in the state assembly during the next session, proposed to be held during the month end.
Chouhan was among the first few chief ministers after UP's Yogi Adityanath to announce intention to bring strict law against marriages for religious conversion, repeatedly calling it a law against 'love jihad'.
Uttar Pradesh has already brought in an ordinance, providing for 10 years jail term for those guilty of forcing or defrauding women to convert under the guise of marriage. Such marriages will be declared null and void, as per the ordinance.
Madhya Pradesh is also planning to have similar provisions in the proposed bill, including action against priests or persons involved in such conversions as well as requirement for those wanting to convert to give prior notice to the district administration.
Chouhan and MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra have been repeatedly making statements on the issue during the past month, more so since the BJP government acquired a clear majority in the house following bypolls last month.
