DIMAPUR, SEPT 14 (MExN): To protect the clause of Indian Constitution, which allows all citizens the freedom to propagate their faith, the Janata Dal United party has decided to oppose introduction of ‘Anti-conversion Bill” in any part of India. This decision was announced by the national executives of the party during the two-day conclave at Delhi on August 26-27 last, basing on the clarification sought by the Nagaland representatives.
A delayed press statement issued today by the party MLA and national executive member, Deo Nukhu, said that 135 executives who attended the meeting unanimously decided to oppose the anti-conversion bill which is proposed to be introduced in Jharkand Assembly, apart from adoption of other resolutions of national importance.
Several leaders of the party, including its President Sharad Yadav, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and others have opposed the introduction of the said bill.
Accordingly, the six JD (U) MLAs of Jharkhand, who are allies of the ruling BJP-led Arjun Munda government had registered its opposition to the introduction of the bill in the assembly, the release disclosed. “The JD (U) party opinion is that the choice of religion is a matter of individual faith and basic freedom as enshrined in the Constitution”, Nukhu said, adding that it would be improper and undemocratic to ban religious conversion in any states.
The issue is likely to bring differences between the party and its major ally BJP, as the latter is in favour of passing the bill. The JD (U) says that in the event of forceful introduction of the bill by the BJP ruling states, the party would seek to withdraw from the NDA alliance and maintain its own secular identity in the larger interest of national integration. “There is also every possibility of distancing from NDA’s key constituent, the BJP and to go alone in the upcoming 2007 assembly polls in four states of UP, Uttaranchal, Punjab and Manipur”, the release added.
The conclave was attended by Limatemjen, state unit president and Deo Nukhu, MLA and National executive member. The release also said that Nagaland being a Christian dominant state, they would strongly support the resolution of the JD (U) national executive.
.jpg)
