Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said a law should be enacted against wrongful religious conversion but nobody should be subjected to harassment.
In the last few years, several BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, have brought in laws to regulate forcible religious conversion. Moreover, other BJP-ruled states, including Haryana and Assam, are considering bringing a similar law.
While talking in the state of Punjab which is about to go for polls on February 20th, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal took a stand against religious conversions happening forcefully. Kejriwal was asked about his view on coercion of the poor into converting to a new religion through money and influence. Upon this, Kejriwal added, “I am of an opinion that religion is a private matter. Everyone has a right to pray to whichever God, believe in whatever religious text he/she wishes. If conversions are happening through influence, money or threat then it is outright wrong.”
Speaking there, Kejriwal has already promised that the AAP government would begin doorstep delivery service and Mohalla clinics like in Delhi if voted to power.
"We will make 16000 clinics and renovate hospitals in Punjab. Like Delhi, Punjab too will get all the benefits," the Delhi CM said. He also announced that no new tax will be imposed in the state if the AAP were voted to power.
He also announced that no new tax will be imposed in Punjab after the AAP comes to power.