Key Points:
- Addressing an election rally in Deoria, where bypolls are scheduled, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned people against ‘love jihad’ and said his government will bring in a strong law against it.
- “Love jihad” is the term used by right-wing groups to target relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women, which, they say, is an elaborate ruse to forcibly convert the women.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave a fiery statement while addressing a rally in Jaunpur. On Saturday, the Chief Minister said that his government was working to bring in a strict law to control “Love Jihaad” incidents. This statement came in reference to the Allahabad High Court’s remark that conversion “just for the purpose of marriage” was unacceptable. Despite of disagreeing to the Court’s judgement, Adityanath said, “The court’s verdict will be followed and the honour and dignity of women will be ensured.”
The Adityanath government has been facing a huge pressure due to the increased rape cases and now, while the elections are ahead, the CM spoke about another burning topic of ‘Love Jihaad’. “Allahabad High Court said religious conversion isn’t necessary for marriage. Govt will also work to curb ‘love-jihad’, we’ll make a law,” added the CM during his speech.
Issuing a warning against “love jihad”, Adityanath said,
” Jo log naam Swaroop chhupa kar chhadm tarike se behen betiyo ke izzat se khelwad karte hai, unko pahle se chetawani. Sudhrenge nahi to Ram Naam Satya ki yatra niklane wali hai (It’s a warning for those playing with chastity of women by hiding their name and identity … they should mend their ways or their final procession will begin).”
Adding on to the previous statements, Adityanath also said that the posters of those involved in love jihad will be put on all road crossings.
What is ‘Love Jihaad’?
- “Love jihad” is the term used by right-wing groups to aim relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women, which, as per them, is a well-planned trick to forcefully convert the women.
- It is also a term that the government has disowned. In February, the government told parliament the term was not defined under existing laws and no case had been reported by any central agency.
Now, along with the UP Minister Adityanath, even the Haryana Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said, “Since the Ballabhgarh case is being linked with “love jihad”, the centre, as well as state government, is looking into it, and considering legal provisions so the guilty cannot escape and no innocent person is punished.”
