Bengaluru, Sep 16: The ruling BJP in Karnataka had the last laugh on Thursday as the controversial anti-conversion Bill got smooth passage in the Legislative Council amid a walkout by Congress party.
The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, popularly known as the anti-conversion law, was piloted by Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, triggering protests by the Congress and JD(S). The bill was passed by voice vote after prolonged debate.
The opposition Congress party which has been vociferously opposing the Bill, walked out of the Council ahead of the voice vote. BJP has 39 in the 75-member Legislative Council, which ensured the Bill’s passage.
Although the controversial Bill had earlier been cleared by the Legislative Assembly in December 2021, the ruling BJP opted for the Ordinance route in May this year, as it did not have the numbers to steer it through the 75-member Legislative Council. However, with the BJP enjoying a majority in the Upper House after the Council elections in July this year, it decided to table the contentious Bill on Thursday.
Karnataka’s version of the Bill is seen as more stringent than in other BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Home minister Araga Jnanendra said conversions are becoming rampant through unfair means.
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