No room for forcible conversions in TN: Minister

Chennai | Saturday | 22nd January, 2022

Summary:

Chennai, Jan 22 (PTI) There is no room at all for forcible conversions in Tamil Nadu, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Minister, P K Sekar Babu said here on Saturday.

Taking potshots at the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP, Sekar Babu said, ahead of the "Thai Poosam" festival last year the Saffron party had taken out "Vel" (spear) rallies in the state chanting slogans of "Veera Vel" and "Vetri Vel." He asked, "do you now see display of Vel (by BJP people) anywhere," adding the BJP did not organise such events this year coinciding with the festival, the Minister told reporters.

Unlike the BJP, his party the DMK and Chief Minister M K Stalin regarded all religions equally, Babu said.

"Annaithu mathamum sammatham (All religions are acceptable)," he said.

Against such a background, there is no room at all for forcible conversions in Tamil Nadu, the Minister asserted.

In connection with the death of a 17-year old girl student by suicide in Thanjavur district days ago, the BJP had alleged coercion by the management of a school to convert her to Christianity.