Amid Pandya chaos, Modi clears religion Bill

The party had come prepared for a lengthy discussion on the Freedom of Religion Bill, which includes the anti-conversion provision on the lines of a similar law in Tamil Nadu, but changed its plans on hearing of Pandya’s killing.

The Gujarat Freedom of Religion Bill, that was passed without any discussion, seeks to punish a person who converts or attempts to convert any person by use of ‘‘force, allurement or any fraudulent means’’ with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and also a fine that may extend to Rs 50,000.

Whoever contravenes these provisions in respect of a minor, a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe shall face imprisonment for up to four years and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh.

Offences under this legislation are cognisable and will not be investigated by an officer below the rank of a police inspector. Minister of State for Home Amit Shah told the House that the Bill would also be useful to maintain public order and to nip in the bud any attempts by ‘‘subversive forces’’ to create social tension.

The moment the House reassembled after the break at 2.30 p.m., Congress members were on their feet and wanted to raise the issue of Pandya’s killing, but Speaker Mangaldas Patel turned down the request.

Shouting slogans that the murder was political, Congress MLAs refused to take their seats or allow the House to function. But the Speaker and treasury benches continued with the day’s business.

Thus, the Bills were introduced and passed without discussion as Congressmen continued to raise slogans. In the melee, microphones were uprooted and a desk broken. Paresh Dhanani and Vikram Madam, two MLAs, even got atop benches and strung the uprooted mikes around their neck.

Throughout the 35 minutes, Congressmen continued to throw torn copies of various bills towards CM Narendra Modi and the Speaker.They also shouted slogans like ‘‘Hai re Bhajpa, hai, hai’’, ‘‘Rajkiya hatya band karo’’.

The Congress, in fact, spurned a request from the BJP to wind up the business of the House early as ‘‘adjournment in case of a former MLA was not possible.’’ Law Minister Ashok Bhatt called on Leader of Opposition Amarsinh Chaudhary in his chamber minutes before the second session was to begin.