Jethmalani kicks off debate on conversion issue

PUNE, Feb 28: Urban Affairs Minister Ram Jethmalani on Saturday kicked off a debate on the religious conversions in the country by regretting the decision of Nehru supporting the religious minorities8217; demand for the right to convert.

8220;I wish Nehru had had the statesmanship to turn this down, knowing its serious repercussions,8221; he remarked. The Minister was speaking at his felicitation function organised by Symbiosis Society8217;s Dr Ambedkar Institute for Research in Law and Development on completion of his 75 years.8220;The right to propagate involves the right to convert, which in turn means that the other party says that its religion is superior than mine,8221; remarked Jethmalani in strong disapproval, adding that the provision was 8220;nothing but an useless addition to the statutes.8221;

Criticising religious groups who are agitating for their right to convert, Jethmalani snubbed the protest as 8220;totally baseless and stupid acts which are unnecessarily disturbing peace of the country.8221;