Rajasthan Governor: Religion Bill might be withdrawn

In a recent Easter celebration gathering, Rajasthan Governor Shailendra Kumar Singh alluded that the newest Rajasthan anti–conversion Bill might receive similar treatment like the previous one which was returned to the State Government by the then Governor Pratibha Patil in 2006.

Last week, the Rajasthan State Assembly passed the anti–conversion Bill in spite of resistance by the opposition Congress and the religious leaders.

Mr. Singh, a former career diplomat, addressing the gathering of believers at the All Saints Church said, "We have to respect all religions equally and strive for the uplift of society. Unity in society and harmony could be brought only through our good behaviour and not by Bills and legislation."

“Faith brings mutual confidence. All the religions should be respected equally. This only can create an atmosphere of love and brotherhood,” Mr. Singh added.

Quoting from the Hindus Bhagwad Gita, Mr Singh said Lord Krishna while helping Arjun in the battlefront had said that in society all are equal and real "dharma" is to carry out one's responsibilities.

The Christians who are more than pleased by the words of Governor could see a cloud of hope that might deliver them from the harsh Rajasthan Religious Freedom Bill, 2008.

Collin C. Theodore, Bishop of the Church of North India (CNI) said, “The Governor’s act came as a reassurance. It was so kind on his part to participate in two celebrations of Resurrection.” The All Saints Church is managed by the CNI.

“We hope the Governor means what he said. We have high hopes on him,” the Bishop noted.

The Raj Bhawan revealed that Mr. Singh prior to the All Saints church function attended the midnight Easter vigil service on Saturday at the St. Xavier’s Catholic Church.

The Church, which identifies Mr. Singh as a ‘commoner’, thanked him for his gesture and also prayed for the government officials, Chief Minister and the members of Cabinet for "enabling them to do their duties well."

The anti–conversion bill passed by the Rajasthan Govt. is to curb unlawful conversion from one religion to another by allurement or by fraudulent means. Offenders will be punished up to five years, including fines of Rs 50,000.

Meanwhile, Raj Bhawan sources this week confirmed that the Bill is yet to reach the Governor.

Rajasthan is the sixth state to pass an anti–conversion law after Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.