- 23 July, 2025
Panaji, July 23, 2025 — Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on July 21 proposed the introduction of an anti-conversion law in the state to tackle alleged cases of forced religious conversions. The suggestion, made during a session of the state assembly, sparked debate among lawmakers, with members of the opposition questioning the relevance and factual basis of such legislation in the Goan context.
Sawant floated the proposal in response to a calling attention motion moved by BJP legislator Premendra Shet, who cited the recent arrest of SB Krishna—also known as Ayesha and Nikki—by the Uttar Pradesh police on charges of abducting two girls for marriage.
“Under UP’s anti-conversion law, forced conversions are not allowed. Many states have passed such laws. I believe we too need to bring such a law so that forced conversions will be disallowed,” the chief minister said.
“You too need to support us,” he added, directing the remark towards Congress legislators.
Highlighting instances of interfaith marriages, Sawant said, “Inter-religion marriages are happening. That is their wish. But forced conversions by giving money should not be done.” He also asserted that cases of ‘love jihad’—a controversial term used by right-wing groups to refer to relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women allegedly aimed at conversion—were occurring in Goa. “Now you may say they are adults, they are in love, but when there are cases of targeting, then we will have to pay attention,” he stated.
The proposal drew sharp criticism from opposition MLA Vijai Sardesai, who accused the chief minister of attempting to impose the Bharatiya Janata Party’s national agenda on Goa. “If there is forced conversion, show us the data. Where is the report? Don’t confuse Goans with borrowed narratives. This is about crime, not religion,” Sardesai said.
Independent legislator Aleixo Lourenço, aligned with the ruling alliance, also expressed concern over the implications of the chief minister’s remarks. “I think the chief minister should be clear (about what he’s saying). No conversions are happening in Goa, especially from the Catholic side. The moment you say atrocities and anti-conversion law and accuse minorities, the implication is that we are doing it,” Lourenço said.
The controversy follows the arrest of 10 individuals from six states over the weekend by the Uttar Pradesh police for alleged involvement in illegal religious conversions, including SB Krishna from Goa. Authorities in UP claimed to have uncovered links to foreign funding, radicalisation efforts, and connections to the Islamic State (IS). The suspects are alleged to have played various roles in a conversion network—ranging from legal counselling and logistical support to facilitating relationships and conversions through ‘love jihad’.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times
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