Bengaluru – A defence of religious conversions offered by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sparked a political firestorm Friday, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya janata Party (BJP) who accused his management of being “anti-Hindu.” The controversy erupted following Siddaramaiah’s remarks regarding conversions as a response to societal inequalities.The exchange underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding religious freedom and social justice in Karnataka, a state with a history of communal sensitivity.The BJP’s swift condemnation highlights the potential for the issue to escalate into a broader political conflict, particularly as the state navigates complex socio-religious dynamics. The debate centers on whether addressing social disparities justifies religious conversion, and whether such conversions are driven by genuine faith or coercion.
Earlier this week, Siddaramaiah defended religious conversions, stating that they occur when individuals seek to escape the constraints of a caste-based society. Responding to this, the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] posted on X (formerly Twitter), “If there was equality…of inequality is none othre than the Congress party.”
The BJP swiftly echoed this sentiment, alleging that the Congress-led government is actively promoting policies detrimental to the Hindu community. Party leaders have called for a thorough investigation into alleged instances of forced conversions and demanded stricter laws to prevent them.
Saurabh verma of News18.com reported the initial exchange. The article was first published September 15, 2023, at 14:19 IST.