Conversion heat in LS; Govt says it has nothing to do with it

The Opposition today extended the conversion heat from Rajya Sabha to Lok Sabha seeking answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was rejected by the government with an assertion that neither it nor BJP has anything to do with conversion.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu insisted the government does not support conversion or re-conversion and if any individuals are violating the law, state governments are empowered to take action.
Opposition and Treasury benches indulged in slanging match repeatedly leading to two adjournments. Several parties, including Congress, TMC, Left, RJD, JD-U and JD-S, staged a walkout expressing unhappiness over rejection of their demand.

Earlier, Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge insisted that only Prime Minister should respond to the concerns over conversion because "only his writ runs in the country" as he is the "commanding authority" and "holds the master key".
The issue of conversion, which has led to stalling of Rajya Sabha for almost entire last week, was raised by Congress member K C Venugopal in the wake of media reports about conversion of 30 Dalit Christians in Kerala. He was supported by other members of Congress and opposition parties.
In response, Naidu said, "Government has no role in conversions or re-conversions. Party (BJP) has nothing to do with the individuals who are doing it. If anybody violates the law, the law should take its course."

Contending that conversion is taking place "voluntarily", he said, "Government is nowhere in the picture, the party (BJP) is nowhere in the picture. If any individual does it, action has to be taken by the state government."

He repeatedly said government does not support conversion and insisted that the country was peaceful. He accused the Opposition of trying to make a political issue.
When Kharge referred to Naidu's earlier comment that he was proud of RSS background, the Minister hit back saying "You are proud of Gandhi parivar, I am proud of Sangh parivar".
He also took strong objection to opposition slogans -- "PM bhaag gaya" and said, "You attack our leader again and again ... We should have respect for each other."

He told the Opposition that any personal remark will boomerang on it as it did in Lok Sabha polls.