Amit Shah’s anti-conversion law pitch causes stir in Punjab political circles

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s promise of introducing a law against religious conversions if the BJP is voted to power in Punjab has set the cat among pigeons.Though almost all BJP-ruled states in North India have promulgated stringent anti-conversion laws, Punjab does not have any such legislation.Political analyst feel Shah has attempted to address the concerns of hardliners and the Sikh community that have been flagging the issue.Punjab's self-styled pastorsAhead of the 2027 Assembly elections, political parties such as the Congress, AAP and SAD have been finding it hard to ignore the growing influence of the self-styled pastors of Pentecostal churches that are acting as a pressure group of Christian voters.Related news: Religious conversions spark blame game in PunjabAmit Shah flags religious conversion in Punjab, urges CM Mann govt to put curb on itThe Dalit Christians in Majha and Doaba belts of Punjab are a large vote bank, admit political leaders.The self-styled pastors have been at the centre of several legal and social controversies, primarily involving high-profile criminal convictions.Amid the controversies, ruling AAP in August 2025 appointed Jatinder Masih ‘Gaurav’, an aide to pastor Ankur Narula, as the chairman of the Punjab State Minorities Commission.During the Congress tenure, then CM Charanjit Singh Channi had appointed Prof Emanuel Nahar as the chairman of the Punjab Minorities Commission.In 2019, the Congress had appointed Roshan Joseph as the district president of its Gurdaspur. During the SAD rule, Anwar Massih was appointed a member of the Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board.For Deputy CM and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder said if the BJP was serious about conversions, it should explain about the delay in bringing an anti-sacrilege law. “Who will ensure that the law being promised by the BJP is not misused for political gains,” he sought to know.Already introduced in BJP-ruled sates, anti-conversion laws have been questioned by civil rights groups as Article 25 of the Constitution gives people the right to practise a religion of their choice.‘No forcible conversions’An expert in Sikh studies, Gurpreet Singh said Amit Shah’s statement was aimed at setting a political narrative ahead of the Assembly elections. “There are no forcible conversions in Punjab. The main issue is to see the reasons for the poor Sikhs converting to Christianity. The Sikh institutions like the SGPC have failed to address the need for basic amenities faced by the poor and downtrodden Sikhs”.Senior Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema said Sikh Gurus had sacrificed their lives against forcible conversions and Sikh religion allow religious freedom. “If the BJP is so serious, then it should bring the law at the Centre. But the law should have safeguards,” he added.

Amit Shah’s anti-conversion law pitch causes stir in Punjab political circles

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Amit Shah’s anti-conversion law pitch causes stir in Punjab political circles

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

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