Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has formed a seven-member committee to explore the legal and technical aspects of introducing a law against ‘love jihad’ in the state. The decision has been welcomed by BJP leaders, including Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
BJP Leaders Support the Move
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale backed the formation of the committee, stating that there should be a law against forced conversions.
“There should be a law against love jihad. The conversion of women is not right. Two youngsters (of different religions) coming together is normal, but girls shouldn’t be forcefully converted,” said Athawale.
Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha also expressed support, claiming that cases of ‘love jihad’ have been increasing in Mumbai and across the state.
“Love jihad cases have increased across the country. In Mumbai, Maharashtra, there have been many cases. When someone tries to put an end to love jihad, as I put forward this issue in the Vidhan Sabha, people like Samajwadi MLA Rais Shaikh oppose this. He filed a court case against me. Does he want to encourage love jihad?” Lodha stated.
Lodha further claimed that many cases go unreported and thanked CM Devendra Fadnavis for taking action on the matter.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya echoed similar sentiments, asserting that a law is needed to prevent exploitation of young girls.
“This type of law is necessary to stop the ongoing bullying in Maharashtra because young girls are being exploited. Sanjay Raut has also been converted. He has started wearing green garbs with Uddhav Thackeray,” Somaiya commented.
Opposition Pushes Back
However, Congress leader Husain Dalwai strongly opposed the formation of the committee, arguing that such a law would violate the Constitutional right to freedom of religion.
“How can someone be converted forcefully? Our Constitution allows us to follow any religion or not follow any religion at all. They (Maharashtra government) don’t have the right to decide who marries whom,” Dalwai stated.
Committee Details
The Mahayuti-NDA government in Maharashtra has set up a seven-member committee to examine the feasibility of a law on ‘love jihad’. The committee is headed by the state Director General of Police (DGP) and will study the legal and technical aspects before making recommendations.
With political tensions rising over the issue, the committee’s findings will play a crucial role in shaping any potential legislation in Maharashtra.