Religious conversion has become an industry: Former Minister Suresh Kumar

Bengaluru: Former education minister Suresh Kumar opined that religious conversion has become an industry despite the courts having made it clear that conversion is not a fundamental right.

Writing on social media about the anti-conversion bill tabled in the State legislature, he explained his reasoning behind the introduction and the need for such legislation in the state.

Quoting from Arun Shourie’s book “Harvesting our Souls” about how India is being used for conversion, Suresh wrote, “There is a significant difference between  Embracing another Religion and getting converted. There is a sharp difference between accepting and following the doctrine of another religion and transitioning to another religion by succumbing to pressure and enticement.”

He also criticized the comments made by the Banglaore Archbishop Rev Dr. Peter Machado during the protests held in Bengaluru on Thursday that the bill will affect the private lives of Christians. “What does the archbishop mean by ‘the children of the poor will be deprived of quality education?’ Conversion on the pretext of curing the diseases has gained everyone’s attention. Does this bill also interfere with conversion on the pretext of education?” he asked.

He further wrote, “It is natural for those who are involved in conversion racket to be opposed to the legislation… But those who follow their respective religions diligently will not be affected by this bill. There is no obstacle to anyone’s private life from this bill.”