Patna’s legislative assembly echoed with urgent calls for a robust anti-conversion law on the final day of the budget session. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling coalition, including prominent voices like Maithili Thakur and Mithilesh Tiwari, tabled an attention motion highlighting the pressing need to curb forced or induced religious conversions in Bihar.
The legislators drew parallels with neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat, where stringent laws already penalize conversions through deceit, enticement, or marriage with imprisonment ranging from one to ten years, and up to twenty in severe cases. ‘Bihar cannot lag behind,’ asserted BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari, pointing to alarming demographic shifts in border districts and claiming over 1,000 Dalit families in Buxar alone had converted.
Concerns over rising church constructions, population spikes in certain communities, and allegations of luring vulnerable groups with promises of reservation benefits fueled the debate. Lawmakers invoked constitutional provisions, arguing that such practices undermine social fabric and demand immediate legal intervention.
Tourism and Culture Minister Arun Shankar Prasad responded cautiously, stating no proposal for such a law currently exists. Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar acknowledged the motion, assuring review if necessary, but ruled out further discussion. This development signals growing political momentum for anti-conversion measures in Bihar, amid broader national conversations on religious freedom and demographic integrity.