Day after, BJP says never done religion-based politics

On Friday, The Indian Express had reported how the RSS and its affiliates are experimenting with a new conversion programme in Bengal. Instead of hounding a Hindu-Muslim couple, they are actively facilitating their union. The only condition: the bride, in this case, is a Muslim who becomes a Hindu after a “suddhikaran” (purification) programme.

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Trinamool general secretary Subrata Bakshi while initially refusing to comment on the report, said: “We do not believe this is happening in West Bengal.” However, a senior party leader claimed that such cases will be probed to check the “ground reality”.

Sultan Ahmed, TMC MP and the party’s minority face, said: “We will inquire into the matter at our level. Complaints should be registered with police if the girls were forced to convert. The government and the police should act.”

Meanwhile, the state BJP claimed that it doesn’t have any link with such programmes. Senior leader and former state president, Tathagata Roy, said: “Converting to another religion or opting for an inter-religion marriage is a matter of personal choice. No party should not interfere in this and BJP never indulges in religion-based politics.”

When contacted, Sachindra Sinha — in-charge of VHP in Bengal — said: “Top leaders have lauded our efforts and advised us to continue with the programme.” Tapan Ghosh of Hindu Sanhati too said that several intellectual and academicians have praised him for his “service to society”.