Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has raised serious concerns about the misuse of foreign funds by certain NGOs operating in Chhattisgarh. the organizations, which receive funding under the FCRA, of engaging in illegalactivities, including forced religious conversions, have to face the law, he warned.
“Our country is secular, and everyone has the right to practice their chosen religion. However, some individuals and agencies resort to unethical and illegal practices, such as manipulating or enticing people to convert through offers tied to poverty, ignorance, or promises of miracles and an afterlife,” the CM stated.
He further alleged that various international organizations mislead locals into religious conversion while claiming to focus on health and education. The CM has instructed a thorough investigation into these NGOs, warning that those found guilty will face strict legal action.
The CM pointed out that former U.S. President Donald Trump shut down USAID due to similar complaints of misuse, highlighting concerns over how foreign funding has been exploited in India.
The Chhattisgarh government is enacting strict laws against forced conversions, as stated in a BJP press release, and may introduce a bill to curb such conversions in the upcoming budget session at Chhattisgarh State Assembly. In the past 11 months, Chhattisgarh authorities have registered 13 FIRs related to forced conversions, with 23 complaints coming solely from Bastar.
In response, Congress accused the BJP government of facilitating religious conversions in the state. Congress state president Deepak Baij questioned, “Who has been in power the longest in the state? Under whose government have the most conversions occurred?”
Baij criticized the government for not taking action, stating, and said, “it’s the government’s responsibility to stop it. If they can’t, then they should stop pretending to act.”
