CM Mohan Yadav Proposes Death Penalty for Forced Religious Conversion of Girls

Forced Religious Conversion of Girls: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday announced a provision for the death penalty for individuals involved in the forced religious conversion of women in the state.

When asked about the provision of capital punishment for those involved in religious conversions, the CM said, "Our government will not tolerate conversion and misconduct. For criminals or those who are involved in religious conversion, we will ensure that they get the death penalty."

The Congress has strongly opposed the move. Congress MLA Arif Masood has accused the BJP government of targeting a particular religion and asked if it was attempting to alter the Constitution. "A girl has been missing in Bhopal for three days. We should find her. But targeting a particular community has always been their habit," Mr Masood said.

Also Read: Women’s Day 2025: Meet the 6 Women Who Took Over PM Modi’s Social Media

The Madhya Pradesh assembly passed the Religious Freedom Act on March 8, 2021 with the BJP hardening its stance against forced conversions. The BJP often uses the term "love jihad" to refer to an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women to marry them and convert to Islam.

Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, which have BJP governments, too have similar laws to curb such forced conversions while the Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra has set up a panel to study the aspects that can be included in a future legislation.

He questioned whether the Chief Minister was implying that the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar had flaws. "He has to either accept that he is going to change Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution or say that there were flaws in it. Because conversion is a constitutional right if someone is doing it voluntarily," the Madhya Pradesh MLA said.

Also Read: IIFA 2025 Highlights: Shah Rukh Khan’s Grand Welcome, Madhuri Dixit’s Glam, Kareena’s Family Moment

Masood stressed, "If you are talking about forced conversion, there should be no discrimination".

He alleged that the state government was introducing such proposals to divert attention from real issues.

"Things are moving in only one direction--put the state in debt, don’t provide any jobs to the youth, and keep discussions centred around these issues," Masood added.

Also Read: Nita Ambani’s Fitness Secrets at 60: 6-Day Workout, 7K Steps, and Vegetarian Diet