Bengaluru Archbishop welcomes Karnataka government’s move to repeal anti-conversion law
Bengaluru: Archbishop of Bengaluru diocese, Dr. Peter Machado on Thursday commended and welcomed the Karnataka government's move to repeal the Anti-Conversion law that was passed by the previous BJP government. Machado who also serves as the President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops' Council and All Karnataka United Forum for Christian Human Rights, has expressed his appreciation on behalf of the entire Christian community in the state, read a press release.
"The repeal of this highly contentious bill stands as a commendable and crucial step towards upholding fundamental rights," stated the Archbishop, highlighting that it supports the unwavering stance adopted by the Church and the Christian community.
He further elaborated, stating, "It reaffirms our unwavering belief that this legislation not only infringed upon the freedom of religion for individuals but also directly contradicted the provisions enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Article 25 guarantees the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion, which is an indispensable right for maintaining a society that embraces diversity and pluralism. Christians will steadfastly continue their endeavors within the framework of the Indian Constitution, serving the state and the nation, while extending their outreach to all individuals, regardless of caste and creed, with a special emphasis on uplifting the impoverished and marginalized."
According to the Bishop, the anti-conversion bill had led to an increase in attacks on Christians, its provisions also encouraged fringe elements to cause harm to the community . Its presence fueled doubts, mistrust, and disharmony between communities. The Archbishop expressed hope in other states following the suit to promote harmony among the societ.
Recognizing the complexities involved in repealing a law, the Christian community remains hopeful and confident that all concerned parties will extend the necessary support at various stages of the process. This collaborative effort is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and the complete withdrawal of the anti-conversion bill, the release added.
Expressing his gratitude, Machado said he appreciates the government of Karnataka for its courage and decisiveness in repealing the act. “The acknowledgment of the concerns raised by the Christian Community and the subsequent action taken to rectify the situation are commendable.” This progressive step will contribute to fostering an atmosphere of religious harmony, tolerance, and respect for all faiths within the state, he added.
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Chinese annexation of Indian territory occurred during Nehru's term: BJP hits back at Congress
New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Sunday flayed the Congress for alleging Chinese occupation of the Indian territory during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's term and said the grand old party cannot get away with "such lies" as all of it occurred during Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure.
The BJP's reaction came a day after the Congress alleged in a post on X, "China kept occupying India's land. Narendra Modi kept giving clean chit."
Reacting sharply, BJP IT department head Amit Malviya said the Congress has the "dishonesty" to speak of Chinese annexation of the Indian territory despite the fact that all of it occurred during Nehru's tenure as the prime minister.
"Imagine blaming Prime Minister Modi for Nehru's betrayal," he said in a post on X.
"The Congress cannot get away with such lies, even if Rahul Gandhi thinks otherwise," he added.
Malviya said the "reality" is that He'an County is the new name for Aksai Chin, which China occupied by 1962.
The Hekang County refers to the adjacent territory, he said.
"The significance of He'an County lies in the G219 Highway, which China formally opened in 1957. Prime Minister Nehru acknowledged its construction in Parliament in 1959," Malviya said.
The "key features" of the He'an County include Haji Langar, occupied by China in 1959 and an Indian patrol was detained here in 1958, he said.
"Qizil Jilga, captured by China in 1962. Chung Tash, occupied by China in 1962. Dehra Compas, taken over by China in 1961. Shamal Lungpa, seized by China in October 1959, close to the site of a 1959 attack on an Indian patrol," Malviya said.
Imagine blaming Prime Minister Modi for Nehru’s betrayal!
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 5, 2025
Congress has the dishonesty to speak of Chinese annexation of Indian territory, despite the fact that all of it occurred during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister.
Here is the reality regarding the new Counties… https://t.co/rJpx8cgHot pic.twitter.com/gXzDz23FEL
