Opposition raises concern over re-conversion of Muslims in Agra

NEW DELHI: With the Opposition raising the issue of alleged conversions of around 300 Muslims in Agra by RSS affiliated organisations, the government has said that it was against conversions or reconversions through use of force or inducements and underlined that the Centre should not be maligned each time there is a controversy as law and order is a state subject.

"There should be no forceful conversion or reconversion. There should be no inducement for conversion or reconversion. And if something goes wrong then the local designated authorities should deal with the matter. Don't malign the Centre on the issue. Law and order is a state subject," Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters. He maintained that the issue of conversions was an "old card" played by some people.

The issue figured in Parliament on Wednesday with the Opposition raising the matter in the Rajya Sabha as soon as the House met for the day.

Congress, TMC, Left and BSP alleged that RSS-affiliated organisations were involved in illegally converting Muslims in Agra and asked the government to clear the air on the issue.