Rajya Sabha to discuss forced religious conversions on Wednesday

NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha will on Wednesday discuss the issue of alleged forced conversions being carried out by RSS-affiliate in Agra and other areas, the government said today.

As Opposition members again raised the issue of forced conversions of Muslims in Agra and threat of repeating the same with Christians in Aligarh, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government is ready for discussion on the issue.

He said members have given notice and it has been decided to have a discussion on December 17, he said.

Earlier raising the issue, K C Tyagi (JD-U) said VHP has passed a resolution that seeks removal of mikes from mosques even though Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees freedom to practice and preach religion.

He tried to link the issue to terrorist attack on Parliament 13 years ago saying the bullet riddled walls have been repaired but the Constitution is being shredded into smithereens.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked him not to link the two. Derek O'Brien (TMC) said he has given a notice for discussion on the issue of conversion.

"If you have given notice, it will be examined," Kurien said.

At this point, Congress members joined in, with its Deputy Leader Anand Sharma saying disregard of the Constitution cannot be allowed and that they have also given a notice for discussion on the issue.

Naqvi said the government has no problem in discussing the issue and December 17 has been set as the date.

Kurien said the notices given by members will be examined by the Chairman.

"The point is that the minister has said government is ready for a discussion... there is no need for dispute (after that)," he said.

The House then took up Zero Hour submissions.