Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has issued a stern warning against religious conversions, alleging that certain groups and organizations are exploiting vulnerable tribal communities under the guise of “healing assemblies” to weaken ‘sanatan dharma.’
Addressing a gathering organized by the Gayatri Parivar in Gariaband on Sunday, Sai commended the Gayatri Shakti Peeth for its efforts in preserving Hindu culture and combating religious conversions. He attended the event with his wife, Kaushalya Sai.
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“The Gayatri Shakti Peeth is not just a spiritual center; it is a strong pillar of Hindu awakening,” Sai said.
Recalling past challenges, he highlighted the Peeth’s critical role in countering conversions in regions like Jashpur, formerly part of undivided Chhattisgarh.
He accused certain groups of misleading tribal communities by claiming they are not Hindus and distancing them from Sanatan deities.
The BJP government in Chhattisgarh has adopted a hardline approach to combat religious conversions.
In its first year, the government has filed 13 FIRs against alleged forced conversion cases, with four of them registered in the past month alone.
This marks a sharp contrast to the previous Congress government, which registered only 10 FIRs over five years.
Balrampur district has reported four criminal cases of alleged conversions, with claims that individuals were lured by promises of wealth, healing, and relief from suffering.
In Surguja district, authorities intervened to halt a healing assembly suspected of encouraging conversions.
Similarly, in Ambikapur, public outrage led to the cancellation of a National Christian Front program, and FIRs were filed against five individuals associated with the event.
The state government is preparing to amend the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act, 2006, to impose stricter penalties.
Proposed changes include up to 10 years of imprisonment, fines of Rs 20,000, or both, for those found guilty of forced conversions.
The amended law would also require prior permission from the district administration for conversions, along with a declaration within 60 days after conversion.
Sai emphasized the importance of combating religious conversions, describing them as a threat to national integrity. “For us, conversion is equivalent to national dissolution. We will not tolerate it,” he declared.
The tribal-dominated Bastar region has emerged as a key battleground in the anti-conversion campaign. In six districts, including Dantewada, Sukma, and Narayanpur, police have received 23 complaints of alleged conversion attempts.
While no FIRs have been registered in these cases, the government has intensified monitoring of prayer meetings and religious gatherings to prevent the exploitation of tribal communities.
The issue of conversions has also led to social tensions. In Bhilai’s Pulgaon area, police arrested 10 individuals, including a pastor, following a dispute over a prayer meeting held against the wishes of local residents.
Meanwhile, the Sarva Brahmin Samaj has demanded that offenders promoting conversions be booked under the National Security Act.
Religious conversions have become one of the most sensitive issues in Chhattisgarh, with the BJP government’s assertive measures receiving both support and criticism.
As the debate over religious freedom and cultural preservation intensifies, Chhattisgarh continues to be a focal point of political and social discourse on the issue.
