Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – The Indian government will never approve the controversial “ghar wapsi”, ceremonies of “reconversion” to Hinduism, organised by Hindu extremists, which in recent months have involved hundreds of Christians and members of other religious minorities: this was stated by the federal Minister for Urban development, M. Venkaiah Naidu, who specified “if conversion is forced it is wrong, and the same is true of reconversion”. Sources told Fides that the Minister said “the federal government has no plans to present any anti-conversion law”, similar to laws enforced in certain states of India which in fact limit religious freedom.
Ceremonies for “ghar wapsi” have disturbed many people and the central government – said the Minister –“has no responsibility: it falls to individual Indian states affected by the phenomenon to pay attention”. Instead “if people convert with full awareness, this is acceptaboe”, he said, stigmatizing political exploitation on the part of certain parties promoting the question.
According to observers, a recent speech by Indian Premier Narendra Modi, who condemned violence on religious minorities and promised commitment to protecting their rights, produced satisfaction among religious minorities, including India’s Christians. Modi, some say, could give nationalist Baratiya Janata Party of which he is leader, “a new face”, turning towards a more secular approach, distancing itself from Hindu fanatics. “It may be possible that the last electoral beating in Delhi reminded the Prime Minister that the people voted him not to implement the ‘saffron agenda’ of extremist groups, but instead to re-launch the economy ” says a Fides source in India. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2015)
