BJP says it has nothing to do with 'Ghar Vapsi'

Patna: The BJP on Friday distanced itself from the conversion controversy, saying the party has not been involved with the ‘homecoming’ of non-Hindus and has not contributed to such activities. [caption id=“attachment_1861707” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] “The BJP has nothing to do with the activities related to ‘Ghar Vapsi’ (homecoming) of non-Hindus, nor has it backed or contributed to such elements or activities in any manner,” party national spokesperson Syed Shahanwaz Hussain said. “We are of the view that one is free to practice any religion, but at the same time, we oppose conversion by force or allurement,” he told reporters. Referring to the controversial statements made by BJP MP Yogi Adityanath to defend activities related to the ‘homecoming’ by the non-Hindus, Hussain said the party has not sanctioned its leaders to indulge in such activities nor has it taken part in such programmes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also clarified the government’s stand on the issue, the BJP national spokesperson said and urged opposition parties to put an end to the controversy and allow the Parliament to function. On the opposition parties’ demand that the Prime Minister make a statement in Parliament on the conversion row, Hussain said the PM was not bound to speak on all issues as there were ministers with specific jurisdiction and they must be allowed to reply on matters related to their respective departments. PTI