Archive · 13 Aug 2026
MPCC Chief Vows to Protect Constitutional Rights of Minorities
Some Christian leaders went to a meeting in Mumbai to talk about new rules in Maharashtra.
The rules are about religion and how people change their religion.
The leaders were worried that the new rules could hurt innocent people.
They met the head of the Congress party in Maharashtra, Harshavardhan Sakpal.
He told them that Congress will always protect the rights of minorities.
The leaders said it is okay to punish people who force others to change religion.
But they said the new rules should not be used in the wrong way.
They talked about Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which gives everyone the freedom to follow any religion.
Mr. Sakpal promised that everyone, no matter their faith, should have the same rights.
He said the party wants peace and harmony among all religions in Maharashtra.
A delegation of Christian representatives met Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshavardhan Sakpal at Tilak Bhavan in Mumbai on Thursday.
The delegation raised concerns over Maharashtra's new freedom of religion laws, Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) provisions, interfaith marriages, and minority rights protection.
Sakpal assured the delegation that the Congress will stand by minorities in protecting their constitutional and legal rights.
The representatives said they do not oppose legal action against forced or fraudulent religious conversions but maintained the law's provisions should not be misused against innocent individuals or institutions.
MPCC general secretary Jojo Thomas cited Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion.
- Who
- Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshavardhan Sakpal and MPCC general secretary Jojo Thomas met a delegation of Christian representatives.
- What
- Discussions over Maharashtra's new freedom of religion laws, FCRA provisions, interfaith marriages, and the protection of minority constitutional rights.
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Tilak Bhavan, Mumbai
- Why
- The delegation sought assurances that the new law's provisions would not be misused to target innocent individuals or institutions and that minority rights would be protected.
- Meeting
- Delegation of Christian representatives with MPCC president Harshavardhan Sakpal
- Venue
- Tilak Bhavan, Mumbai
- Date
- Thursday
- Coordinator
- MPCC general secretary Jojo Thomas
- Key Concerns
- New freedom of religion laws, FCRA provisions, interfaith marriages, minority rights
- Congress Assurance
- Party will stand by minorities in protecting their constitutional and legal rights
- Constitution Cited
- Article 25 - freedom of conscience and right to profess, practise and propagate religion