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RSS affiliate puts conversion drive on hold
The RSS stepped in Tuesday to rein in the Dharma Jagran Manch, its affiliate, to postpone the ‘ghar-wapsi (homecoming)’ programme it had lined up in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere this month.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stepped in Tuesday to rein in the Dharma Jagran Manch, its affiliate, to postpone the ‘ghar-wapsi (homecoming)’ programme it had lined up in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere this month.
A huge political controversy had erupted when hundreds of Muslims embraced Hinduism at an event in Agra. But soon after the event, they said they had been misled and declared that they remain Muslims. The Manch had so far remained defiant saying it will proceed with its plan for ‘ghar wapsi’ programmes in Ghazipur on December 18 and Aligarh on December 25.
“Yes we have decided to postpone the ‘ghar-wapsi’ programme slated for this month. I was told by competent authorities in the RSS that the programme should be put on hold for now,” Rajeshwar Singh, regional head of the Manch, told HT.
The insurance bill could not be taken up for consideration and passage in the Upper House on Tuesday following the Opposition’s demand for PM’s statement on this issue. Other crucial bills, like the coal mines bill, is also scheduled to come up for passage next week.
The RSS intervention comes at a time when the Narendra Modi government is facing Opposition heat in Parliament over the alleged forced conversion of Muslims.
The standoff in Rajya Sabha has threatened to upset the government’s legislative agenda.
Singh, however, said the programmes have not been cancelled but put on hold since the RSS does not want to enter into a confrontation with the local administration. “We will engage with the authorities and decide about the programmes at a later date,” he said.
