Opposition targets govt in RS on conversion row

They said that the issue has been internationalised and only the PM could answer to it

Amid raging row over conversion issue, opposition today targeted the government in Rajya Sabha and demanded a reply from the Prime Minister on the issue.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the issue of conversions has been internationalised as statements on the issue have increased and the world is watching where the country was heading to. The Prime Minister is the only person one who can answer.

"The issue has gone beyond the boundaries of the country. There is talk all over the world as to where India is heading towards. It seems the country has started moving in the wrong direction. There is unrest in the whole country, both inside and outside the House.

"The Prime Minister is not just of the BJP but of the whole country, including me and all parties. He should come and assure (members) that under his Prime Ministership in his government people of every caste, community, region and religion will remain safe. Only the Prime Minister can give such an assurance, the Leader of the House cannot," Azad said.

The Leader of Opposition said such statements on conversion issue are increasing since Friday. Without naming the RSS, he said, "big leaders of organisations where BJP has its roots have made statements".

"We would like to know on the last day if the Prime Minister will come here and give an assurance to the nation that he will not allow such statements and maintain the unity of the country. If someone will make such statements, he will take stern action against them," he said.

Azad said his party, Congress, and other parties want the House to run and was ready to pass all the bills.

The government, however, did not give any assurance on the Prime Minister's reply.