New Delhi. The recently passed ‘Love Jihad’ bill in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly has laid the foundation for a strict law against forced conversion in the state. The bill is named ‘UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill-2024’, which was introduced on the first day of the monsoon session. It provides for punishment up to life imprisonment in cases of conversion by deceit, fraud or force. Under this law, strict punishment and fine have been provided for persons involved in incidents of illegal conversion. CM Yogi Adityanath had directed to make strict laws in view of the increasing cases of illegal conversion, as a result of which this bill was introduced. The purpose of this law is to curb the elements spoiling the social harmony in Uttar Pradesh.
Samajwadi Party national president and Kannauj MP, Akhilesh Yadav, while reacting to the bill, said that nothing can be expected from the BJP. He said that this party has failed to provide employment and that is why it is losing. He accused the BJP of doing politics of communalism and said that this type of politics is going to end from the country.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap expressed his reaction to this law. He said that the government has taken strict steps to prevent incidents of forced religious conversion. According to the bill, strict punishment and fines have been provided for those persons or organizations found involved in forced religious conversion.
With the introduction of this new law, strict action will be taken on cases like ‘Love Jihad’ in Uttar Pradesh, which is being considered an important step to protect the social and cultural fabric of the state.