Interior Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concern over mass conversions in the country and called for a national debate on the issue. Speaking at a meeting organized by Rashtriya Isai Mahasangh, a Christian group, he clarified that mass conversions must be controlled.

In the meeting, held in New Delhi on January 15, the minister said he supported the freedom to follow any religion, but to have the opinion that a debate is necessary as mass conversions are a matter of concern for any country. “If someone turns alone to a religion, there should be no objections, but mass conversions are a matter of concern for any country. If you are Hindu, be Hindu, if Muslim be Muslim, if Christian be Christian. Why – he asked – do you want to convert the whole world?”

As for the government, he said, there will be no discrimination against anyone. “In my life, I have never discriminated against caste, creed and religion. Whether we get less votes, whether we form the government or not, whether we win or lose, we will never discriminate between people. This is what our Prime Minister thinks.” Singh, he added, can not be in power and govern without love. “You can only govern with love, there is no other way.” (see Focus)