Belagavi: Opposition leader Siddramaiah termed that the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill 2021 is a violation of the fundamental right of the Indian Constitution.

Participating in the discussion on the bill in the Assembly, the Opposition leader alleged that “bjp government has brought the bill which is just identical bill brought by the Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarath governments. The same person has drafted the bill for all four BJP ruled states, some invisible hands had prepared the Bill, he alleged.

The bill is an ultra virus as per provisions of the Constitution. Article 25 has guaranteed that citizens to choose their religion. Even section 12 Burden of proof lies accused person who has caused the conversion, but according to the criminal justice system burden of proof should lies with the prosecution, not an accused person. Here the burden of proof has shifted to the accused person. It is against natural justice. In criminal law, the benefit of doubts should go to the accused person and not to the complaint, Mr. Siddaramaiah explained.

Mentioning Karnataka census of 2001 and 2011, Mr. Siddaramaiah has pointed out that, in the 2001 census, Hindus population was 83.86 % of the total population of the state, whereas in the 2011 census Hindus population was 84% of the total population of the state, it just increase of one percent, so there is no truth in declining of Hindus population due to conversion, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

The Muslim population was  12.23% in the 2001 census and in the 2011 census, it was 12.92 % of the total population in the state. There is not much increase in the Muslim population, the opposition leader pointed out.

In the 2001 census, the Christian population was 1.91%, however, in the 2011 census, the Christian population was `1.87%, there .4 % decrease in their population. When the Christian population is in decreasing trend, where is the proof of conversion of Hindus to Christianity, Mr. Siddaramaiah questioned.

“I am opposing for forcible conversion and conversion through fraud, allurements, forcible conversion is an offence under section 295 of the IPC”, he said.

“Conversion to other religion is not a new phenomenon, right from Adhi Kavi Pampa, Ranna, ruler Ashoka, Basavanna were converted to other religion. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has embraced Buddism after opposing exploitation in the Hindu religion. He embraced Buddism with his mass followers. Dr. Ambedkar has defended the conversion for right cause”, Mr. Siddaramaiah added.

“Dalits, Shudras were not converted to other religions for sake of power, they have converted to other religions after being humiliated by their religion”, he pointed out.