Although no religion is specified in the legislation, critics say it is aimed against the country's Muslim minority. Hardline Hindu groups have accused Muslim men of waging a campaign, dubbed a "Love Jihad," to lure Hindu women to Islam with promises of marriage. Virtually identical legislation was passed last month in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, a northern state also controlled by the BJP. Other Indian states - Haryana, Karnataka and Assam - have said that they are planning to bring in similar anti-conversion laws. Politicians in Madhya Pradesh have also campaigned for years against Christian missionaries, accusing them of offering financial aid and free education to persuade people to convert to Christianity.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 29, 2020 15:33 UTC