Kolkata, Jan 30 (IANS) Coming down heavily on forced religious conversions West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday, challenged it to amend the secular Indian Constitution.
"Why should someone force others to convert? Who gave them that responsibility? Some people are saying this religion is good, that is bad. Don't ride the rickshaw pulled by a man of this religion... etc.
"They are controlling people; they don't know when you are in power you must practice good governance first. Good governance doesn't mean controlling others. You can't control anybody's rights.
"Secularism is enshrined in the Constitution. If you want to do that (control) and if you have the guts then go and amend the Constitution, change it...," Banerjee said at a function here.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo's comments came a day after an FIR was registered against Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief Pravin Togadia and functionary Jugal Kishore for hurting religious sentiments following the alleged conversion of over 100 tribals in West Bengal.
Banerjee said people are using money to convert people.
"What kind of religious conversions? Forcibly some people are indulging in religious conversions by giving money.
"Tribal people are our pride. Why do they have to undergo conversion. They will decide for themselves," she said.
The TMC had alleged that the VHP conducted a 'ghar wapsi' ceremony at Kharmadanga village in Rampurhat in the district Wednesday during which nearly 150 Christians were 'forcibly' converted.
The VHP refuted the charges of conversion but claimed that a Hindu religious ceremony was conducted in which over 1,000 people from the village, including Muslims and Christians took part.
On Mahatma Gandhi's 67th death anniversary Friday, Banerjee stressed on communal harmony and said there is an attempt to foment religious tensions in the state.
"The Indian Constitution doesn't give the right to disrespect others. Indian Constitution is a secular constitution and tells us to treat religions equally.
"We are noticing (some people are) triggering a conflict between one religion and another. Some people are trying to incite violence and tension among different religions".
She added: "If someone thinks that now they are in the chair (in power) and will throw away others, then people will throw away such persons."
Big blow to Congress in Goa, former CM Luizinho Faleiro resigned after praising Mamta; Will join TMC
In Goa, senior Congress leader and former CM Luizinho Faleiro have resigned from the party. There is speculation that he may join Trinamool Congress. Just before resigning from Congress and MLA post,
Mukesh Ambani: Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani receives threat for the third time after Rs 200 crore now demands Rs 400 crore
Veteran businessman and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has once again received a threatening email. This threat has not been given by anyone else but by the same unknown person who had
President Greets Nation on eve of Guru Ravidas Jayanti
New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Monday greeted citizens on the eve of Guru Ravidas Jayanti, saying his "noble teachings propagating universal brotherhood are of great relevance
Delhi Firecracker Fine: Buying and burning firecrackers in Delhi can be fined up to Rs 200 and imprisoned for six months- Gopal Rai
Delhi Firecrackers Fine: Arvind Kejriwal's government is alert because of air pollution in Delhi. Now the Delhi government has informed about a new rule regarding the burning and buying of
WPL 2023 Eliminator Pitch Report & Weather: Who will be helped by the pitch in MI vs UP match? How is the weather in Mumbai?
The Women's Premier League eliminator match will be played between Mumbai Indians and UP Warriors at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai today. Both teams will try their best to win. The winning team will
Second indigenous vaccine: Zydus Cadila's 'JayCov-D' approved, will be available to people above 12 years
The country has got the second indigenous anti-corona vaccine. Following the recommendation from the Government Expert Committee, DCGI has given emergency approval for the use of Zydus Cadila's corona
Corona in Haryana: Cases increased, only 17 percent needed a hospital, patients recovering sooner than before
Of course, the third wave of the corona has knocked rapidly in Haryana, but this time only very few patients are required to be admitted to hospitals. So far in January, 83 percent of corona patients
Mumbai Attack: People protest in front of Japanese and America, Pakistan Embassy in protest against the 26/11 attack
14 years have passed since the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 26 November 2008 (2008 Mumbai Attack). The terrorists simultaneously attacked many big places including Taj Hotel, and CST station, in
New Zealand vs Pakistan Semi-Final t20 world cup: Pakistan made it to the final of T20 World Cup 2022, washed New Zealand by 7 wickets in the semi-file
New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 world cup live score: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022. With this victory, Pakistan's team has reached the final
Heavy tension on PAK-Afghan border: Taliban deployed heavily armed fighters; Shahbaz Sharif said - can't tolerate attacks now
Tension has escalated between Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven Pakistanis were killed in firing on Sunday. Pakistan's army and government are alleging that the firing was done deliberately and
