Conversions aimed at polarising nation: Congress

The Congress Thursday said the incident of alleged forced conversions in Agra is a ploy by the government to "polarise" the nation and sought a clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the matter.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government is trying to polarise the country, so that it can digress from issues like black money and hike in rail fare.

"This is against the constitution. It wants to digress from real issues like black money, rail fare hike and incursions by China. So, it has started this campaign for polarisation," he said in the Lok Sabha during a debate over the issue.

The alleged forcible conversions of about 300 Muslims in Agra found its echo in parliament Wednesday as well as Thursday, with opposition members raising the issue in both the houses.

Nearly 300 members of some 60 Muslim families living in a settlement on Agra's outskirts were reported to have embraced Hinduism Monday.

Scindia said the government has pledged to protect the constitution, but in the last seven months, there has been an agenda for polarisation.

Opening the debate from the opposition benches, he mentioned the Trilokpuri riots in Delhi. "For the first time, there was a sense of insecurity when Tazia procession was taken out in Delhi during Muharram."

"Are we trying to create enmity between the communities," he asked.

"We want the prime minister to clarify. The prime minister has been asked by a senior leader in your party (BJP) to fulfil Rajdharma," he said.

He also attacked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's comments on making the Bhagwad Gita the national scripture. "For us, the constitution should be the national book".

"It (government) is changing history, culture and the country's identity. It is the responsibility of the government to protect the Constitution," he said.

"Today, it is the responsibility of the country that we have to show the world how to live in a secular place. I am a Hindu, but my religion doesn't teach me to be narrow minded," Scindia said, adding that people were forcibly converted and were given ration cards and BPL cards in Agra.