K’taka govt stands by anti-conversion bill aimed to favour the vulnerable: CM Bommai

Pramesh S Jain & Yogesh K Porwar

Karnataka chief minister,Basavaraj Bommai said on Thursday the anti-conversion bill that was passed in the Assembly has been framed according to the law and is meant to favour the vulnerable section.

He said his government stands by the legislation, adding the bill is aimed at getting rid of the menace of religious conversion.

The bill is especially Pro-SC,ST and poor segments of the society. It would help in protection of all the communities and uphold their dignity.

State government is very clear in implementing the Bill.Government is opposed to conversion by exploiting poverty and offering allurements like employment and education,Bommai said.

Dual policy of Congress

The state assembly has passed the Anti-conversion Bill unanimously. The day was reserved for discussion on the Bill.

But the opposition leaders instead of presenting their views on the Bill chose to make political speeches. Infact the preparations for bringing the bill was made during the earlier Congress regime itself.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself had agreed to present the bill before the state cabinet after it was scrutinized by the Law Department. “Doesn’t it amount to his consent for the Bill,” Bommai asked.

Congress leaders are opposing the same Bill now in the Assembly. It shows the dual policy of Congress, Bommai said.

Vote Bank politics by Congress

The draft bill was not prepared by former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. He had just referred a request in this regard to the Law Commission.

It was the Congress government which prepared the draft bill after getting a report from the Law Commission. Congress leaders who supported the draft bill then are now opposing it only because of vote bank politics, Bommai said.

Anti-SC,ST stand by Congress

Congress leaders are trying to use the Bill as a political pawn.People are watching their tricks. Congress has exhibited anti-SC,ST stand in the house.Congress is opposing an initiative to accord greater protection for SC,ST communities, Bommai said.

Prepared to tackle Omicron

State government has taken necessary measures to prevent the spread of the Omicron. Guidelines of the union government are being implemented.

Officials have been instructed to make arrangements like hospital beds,Oxygen and other infrastructure facilities to control the virus, he said.