'Rs 3 lakh to Rs 11 lakh': Protest in Mumbai after BJP MLA offers bounty on priests; demands suspension
MUMBAI: Thousands from the Christian community participated in a daylong sit-in at Azad Maidan Friday, protesting threats issued by the BJP MLA from Sangli, Gopichand Padalkar.
The MLA in a public speech on June 17 had allegedly offered a bounty ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 11 lakh for acts of violence against Christian priests and missionaries engaging in "forceful conversions".
Similar dharnas and morchas are being held in several cities and districts across the state. The community is demanding Padalkar's resignation and an FIR.
The archdiocese of Bombay meanwhile expressed "deep concern" over state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule's proposal to enact a strict anti-conversion law.
"While we respect the govt's duty to uphold public order, we firmly believe that any legislation restricting religious freedom must be carefully evaluated against India's constitutional framework. The choice of religion is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 25. We urge the Maharashtra govt to reconsider this proposal, which risks fostering division and targeting vulnerable communities," the archdiocese said in a statement Friday.
In Mumbai, individuals, priests, pastors, NGOs and secular organisations came to Azad Maidan after a call by the Samast Christi Samaj.
"Around 15,000 Christians from all parts of Maharashtra came. We are seeking protection from the govt and police and demanding that an FIR be registered against Padalkar," said Cyril Dara, convenor of the Samaj.
Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi and Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad addressed the gathering. Gaikwad said, "People vote for you (BJP), and with this power you make such kinds of malicious comments." Samuel Salve, a pastor from Ahmednagar, said, "Today I have filed a petition against Padalkar in the high court."
"We demand the suspension of Padalkar and the registration of a criminal case for hate speech," said Melwyn Fernandes, secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians.
(Inputs by Bella Jaisinghani)
The MLA in a public speech on June 17 had allegedly offered a bounty ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 11 lakh for acts of violence against Christian priests and missionaries engaging in "forceful conversions".
Similar dharnas and morchas are being held in several cities and districts across the state. The community is demanding Padalkar's resignation and an FIR.
The archdiocese of Bombay meanwhile expressed "deep concern" over state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule's proposal to enact a strict anti-conversion law.
"While we respect the govt's duty to uphold public order, we firmly believe that any legislation restricting religious freedom must be carefully evaluated against India's constitutional framework. The choice of religion is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 25. We urge the Maharashtra govt to reconsider this proposal, which risks fostering division and targeting vulnerable communities," the archdiocese said in a statement Friday.
In Mumbai, individuals, priests, pastors, NGOs and secular organisations came to Azad Maidan after a call by the Samast Christi Samaj.
"Around 15,000 Christians from all parts of Maharashtra came. We are seeking protection from the govt and police and demanding that an FIR be registered against Padalkar," said Cyril Dara, convenor of the Samaj.
Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi and Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad addressed the gathering. Gaikwad said, "People vote for you (BJP), and with this power you make such kinds of malicious comments." Samuel Salve, a pastor from Ahmednagar, said, "Today I have filed a petition against Padalkar in the high court."
"We demand the suspension of Padalkar and the registration of a criminal case for hate speech," said Melwyn Fernandes, secretary of the Association of Concerned Christians.
(Inputs by Bella Jaisinghani)
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